The men’s Under 19 national team narrowly lost its last match in Israel against Cyprus yesterday in the European Championship qualifying Group by 2-1.

Hibernians’ player Jonathan Pearson had given the Maltese the lead before the local lads were let down by two goals from the Cypriots.

Meanwhile the women’s team also lost away against Slovenia yesterday, in connection with the 2007 World Cup.

The Maltese girls were a goal down by half-time and Dionne Tonna managed to obtain a temporary equaliser before Sloveni scored three more goals to down Malta 4-1.

This was Malta’s second defeat in the Group after being beaten by Craotia also 4-1 at Ta’ Qali in the first qualifying match.