Malta Under-16 defeats Andorra on penalties in UEFA Development Tournament

The Malta Under-16 national team, led by Noel Turner, defeated Andorra on penalties following a 1-1 draw in a match from the UEFA Youth Development Mini-Tournament at the Centenary Stadium on Saturday. In the penalty shoot-out, Malta scored nine and Andorra eight.

UEFA’s regulations for these development tournaments stipulate that, in the event of a draw, penalties are to be taken to determine a winner. The winning team is awarded two points while the other team gets one.

Andorra took the lead against the run of play, on the 28th minute, as striker Albert Rosas profited from a misunderstanding in the Maltese defence to beat Malta goalkeeper Miguel Spiteri with a low shot.

However four minutes before half-time, the Reds drew level. Jordan Kelly’s corner from the left was partially cleared by Mauro Rabelo and Isaac Galea was on hand to stab the ball home at the far post.

In the penalty shoot-out, players from both teams produced some clinical shots from the spot but Andorra substitutes Iker Gilbert and Marc Robinat fired their spot-kicks high. Goalkeeper Spiteri’s central effort was stopped by Rabelo but Isaac Galea made no mistake from the spot as Malta prevailed 9-8 on penalties.

In the second match from this tournament, Liechtenstein beat Gibraltar 2-0.

On Monday, Andorra meet Liechtenstein at 11:30 while Malta take on Gibraltar at 14:30. All matches are being played at the Centenary Stadium.

Photos: Copyright © domenic aquilina/MFA

MALTA Miguel Spiteri, Sheldon Mizzi, Matthew Ellul, (Glen Mifsud 72), Isaac Galea, Ismael Borg, Jordan Kelly, Karl Mohnani, Emerson Camilleri, (Kurt Desira 66), Jake Engerer, Mattia Veselji, Jake Bone, (Gianluca Sciberras 66).

ANDORRA Mauro Rabelo, Marc Rodrigues, (Joan Guardia 50), Joan Bellido, Eric Lechuga, (Marc Robinat 64), Alain Bernat, Iker Alvarez, Miguel Cerqueira, Unai Cruz, Pablo Romaro, (Iker Gilbert 64), Jordi Pintat, (Joel Ferreira 74), Albert Rosas.

Referee: Andrea Sciriha