Malta U-19’s score twice to beat Albania in second matchup

Malta vs Albania 2-1
Bridgman 7, Xerri 80 (M); Elezaj 42 (A).

The Malta U-19’s national team made amendments for last Thursday’s defeat after beating Albania with a goal in each half, on Sunday.

The two sides rubbed shoulders for the second time at the Tony Bezzina Stadium, with Toze Mendes’ Malta winning 2-1 as they continue their preparations for this summer’s U-19’s European Championships.

Malta drew first blood early in the game when England-based Alfie Bridgman found the net after just seven minutes.

Albania levelled matters just before half-time, thanks to a goal scored by Gent Elezaj.

Nonetheless, Malta managed to secure a win with a goal ten minutes from time, through Zven Xerri.

Malta will continue to play regular friendlies to maintain their competitiveness ahead of July’s finals, set to be hosted on home soil.

MALTA

Luca Camilleri, Braden Flannery, Jake Micallef, Jake Vassallo, Zven Xerri, Benjamin Hili (Matteo Gambin 59), Lucas Caruana (Zak Barbara 77), Bjorn Buhagiar (Andrew Borg 77), Tristan Viviani (Lucas Scicluna 66), Nathan Cross (Brooklyn Borg 77), Alfie Bridgman (Sean Gatt 59).
Coach: Toze Mendes.

ALBANIA

Elliot Krasniqi, Arlind Kurti, Elton Fikaj, Ervin Bashi, Ardit Nuredini (Ermal Meta 77), Orgito Ruci (Endi Shulku 83), Erald Krasniqi (Skerdi Xhixho 61), Gent Elezaj (Franc Rabeta 83), Adijat Seferi (Ersi Zaganjori 61), Lorent Talla (Smail Kadrijaj 61), Samuele Kasa (Andi Gjoka 83)
Coach: Armando Cungu.

Referee: Ishmael Barbara.

Photo: Stephen Gatt/Malta FA