Malta lost in its first outing in the UEFA Under-17 Group 8 qualifying round mini-tournament to hosts Serbia by a late goal in a game which saw the Maltese creating the most clear cut chances, especially in the second period at the Sports Centre of the FA of Serbia in Stara Pazova.
Malta went close on numerous occasions with Aidan Friggieri and Zachary Brincat always a threat up front. Myles Beerman also hit the upright in the second period and the Serbian keeper had to be at his best to keep the scoreline goaless. Malta forced eight corner kicks in the game while the hosts had none. The winner came late in the game when a well placed shot by Jovan Nišić sailed past keeper Aquilina who saved another shot instants earlier in the same Serbian offensive foray.
The Maltese lads were showered with praise for the outstanding performance as evidently the best team on the pitch had to leave it empty handed.
Malta will be in action once again on Sunday, facing the Netherlands at the Stadion FK Srem in Jakovo.
MALTA Timothy Aquilina, Nicholas Pulis, Nick Ghio, Matthew Guillaumier, Jean Borg, Aidan Friggieri, David Xuereb, Zachary Brincat (74′ Connor Zammit), Kieran Xuereb, Myles Beerman, Michele Sansone (53′ Russell Fenech).