MALTA 2
Turkmenistan 1
Malta Under21 Team battled to a hard fought 2-1 win over Turkmenistan in first friendly international in Antalya during this intensive training camp in Turkey for this new look side.
Malta started well and had the best chances in the first half, the boys were tactically disciplined throughout the whole match against this stubborn side ready to pounce on every single mistake.
In the second half Malta players kept their composure and were only punished temporarily with the opponents leveller from a dubious penalty before Aidan Friggieri's dazzling goal just before the hour mark.
The boys showed confidence and are already reaping the rewards notwithstanding this group of players have only been together for a short period of time in this long journey and preparation prior to first 2021 UEFA European Qualifier in Northern Ireland in September.
After 9mins Sliema Wanderers defender Kurt Shaw fired a powerful shot that went just over the Turkmenistan goal.
Malta opened the score on 27 minutes when Aidan Friggieri sent a corner from the left, ball fell pretty on Zachary Brincat's right foot who drifted the ball in the bottom corner.
Turkmenistan replied on 34 minutes when Borjakov Ali tried his luck from 35metres out but Andreas Vella in Malta goal was aware and saved comfortably.
43 minutes on the clock and Malta went close again following a good move on the left from Beerman who sent a hard low cross, the ball hitting Friggieri who was in an open goal position before the ball went wide.
Four minutes into the second half Turkmenistan levelled the score Turkish referee ordered a dubious penalty after a hands that looked just outside the box, from the penalty spot Myrat Rahman slotted the ball home in the bottom corner.
Malta went back in front with the winning goal on 56 minuters a gem of a goal by St.Andrews winger Aidan Friggieriwho scored a super goal curling his shot from an acute angle, ball in the top corner.
On 78minutes substitute Neil Frendo who replaced Jan Busuttil six minutes before tried his luck from outside the box, but his deflected shot went just wide for a corner.
A good result for this promising group of players who on Tuesday take on Kosovo in second friendly here in Antalya, Turkey.
Malta :-Andreas Vella, Michele Sansone (Zachary Grech 46), Connor Zammit, Kurt Shaw, Nicky Pulis, Jean Borg, Aidan Friggieri (Jan Tanti 65), Marcus Grima, Zachary Brincat (Paul Mbong 85), Jan Busuttil (Neil Frendo 72), Myles Beerman.
Subs :-Timmy Aquilina, Zack Cassar, Zachary Grech, Gary Camilleri, Neil Frendo, Russell Fenech, David Xuereb, Jan Tanti, Paul Mbong.
Turkmenistan :-Ahallyyev Rustem, Sakayev Erik, Annayev Odemyrat, Rovshenmyradov Resul, Priyev Ruslan, Borjakov Ali, Annayev Azat, Rozyyev Nury, Myradov Begenchmyrat, Myratberdiyev Rahman, Hydyrov Shamammet
Subs :-Yedek, Orayev Aman, Goshanov Silapberdi, Sekov Igor, Abdullayev Ybrayym, Tairov Timur, Ballyyev Nury, Ahmedow Atamyrat.