The second friendly match in three days between Malta and Albania at the Centenary Stadium ended in a dramatic 2-2 draw on Friday.

Malta Under 19 coach Paul Gatt named Kaiden Fenech and Ensell Attard in the starting line-up while Benjamin Cassar was handed his debut as he was included as a substitute in the second half.

Photo courtesy of www.stephengatt.com

The visitors forged ahead on the 18th minute as Frederik Tosku concluded a good run with a curling shot which beat goalkeeper Luca Camilleri.

The Maltese tried harder in the second half and equalised on the 74th when off a Kieran Fenech corner, Sven Xerri headed home past the Albanian goalkeeper.

With one minute to go, Albania regained the lead when they were awarded a penalty after Ersi Bode was floored inside the area by Josiah Mallia; Olsi Myrta’s effort was partially saved by Camilleri but Myrta placed the ball at the back of the net off the rebound.

However five minutes into stoppage time, Malta notched the equaliser when Zak Barbara’s freekick was blocked by goalkeeper Guri and off the rebound, Malta goalkeeper Luca Camilleri hit home from close range.

Malta Luca Camilleri, Finley Ging, Sven Xerri, Kean Scicluna (Josiah Mallia 46), Isaiah Chukunyere (Kaydon Catania 66), Kaiden Fenech (Kian Vella 79), Lucas Caruana (Matthias Fenech 46), Boston Billups (Zak Barbara 46), Jake Azzopardi (Benjamin Cassar 46), Ensell Attard (Trezeguet Zammit 79), Sean Gatt (Keyon Ewurum 66)

Albania Gabriel Guri, Kleo Shpuza, Denis Prendi, Fabjan Perndreca, Muhadin Sulejmani (Kledi Marinaj 46), Ernesto Bakiu, Samuele Sina (Olsi Myrta 83), Klaus Kashari (Jordi Jaku 67), Dean Vranici (Ergis Arifi 46), Ron Hasani (Ersi Bode 46), Frederik Tosku (Dejvi Duro 67)

Referee: Andrea Naudi