The Malta Under-19 side lost 4-1 to Azerbaijan in a friendly match in Baku on Wednesday despite taking the lead on the 19th minute thanks to Joseph Mbong.

The hosts replied with goals by Sadigov on the 28th and Asadov two minutes later. Early in the second half, Malta had Nicholas Pulis sent off but a few minutes later, goalkeeper Jamie Azzopardi performed a good save on a Matadov penalty. However Jafarov increased the lead on the 56th and Ibrahimli in the dying minutes.

This was the first outing for the Under-19 national team since the appointment of David de Souza Nascimento as the new coach.

Another friendly match is due to be played on Friday. These matches are part of the team’s preparation ahead of the UEFA Under-19 Championship mini-tournament which will see Malta hosting Israel, Denmark and Iceland between the 10th and 15th November.

MALTA Jamie Azzopardi, Zachary Brincat (71′ Neil Tabone 71), Daniel Buckle, Juan Carlos Corbolan (64′ David Xuereb), Aidan Jake Friggieri (64′ Kieran Xuereb), Carlos Grech (64′ Jean Borg), Jake Grech (64′ Conor Borg), Matthew Gullaimier, Joseph Mbong, Nicholas Pulis, Connor Zammit.