Under-21 side loses 2-0 in Tirana

Albania scored twice in the first half to defeat Malta 2-0 in an international friendly match at the Stadiumi Selman Stermasi in Tirana on Friday.

This was the first outing for Silvio Vella’s new squad as several players from the previous squad are no longer eligible. In fact Vella named four new faces in the starting line-up – Connor Zammit, Nicholas Pulis, Bradley Schembri and Jamie Zerafa.

The hosts took the lead on the 34th minute when off an assist by Omar Imeri, Rubin Heba finished off in style with a shot from the edge of the area in the bottom corner to put Albania in front.

Just before the interval Michele Sansone floored Hebaj inside the area and from the penalty spot, Omar Imeri made no mistake.

Photo courtesy of MFAMALTA Andreas Vella, Michele Sansone, Connor Zammit, Nicholas Pulis, Jean Borg, Matthew Guillaumier, Jamie Zerafa (83′ David Xuereb), Bradley Schembri (60′ Joseph Mario Vella), Myles Beerman (74′ Andrea Borg), Jan Busuttil (74′ Aidan Friggieri), Zachary Brincat. (77′ Jan Tanti)