Moldova 1

Malta 1

Moldova: Pascenco, Golovatenco, Epureanu, Olexic, Bordian, Rebeja, Comleonoc, Namasco (Dadu), Frunza, Bugaiov, Zmeu (Ivanov).

Malta: Haber, Briffa, Said, Dimech, Scicluna, Woods, Agius, Pace, Mallia, Mifsud (G. Sciberras), Schembri (Bodganovic)

Referee: V. Alijev (Azerbaijan).

Scorers: G. Mallia, 73, Epureanu 82

Red card: Dadu, L. Dimech

Malta yesterday maintained its positive trend in the European Championship qualifiers, when after the 2-1 defeat of Hungary at Ta’ Qali, the local boys obtained a prestigious 1-1 draw against Moldova in Chisinau.

It was a somewhat lucky draw, but on the whole, the Maltese played their hearts out and were rewarded for their efforts, especially at the back.

In fact, Fitzel’s boys were pressed hard by the home side, but inspired by some great saves from Justin Haber, including a penalty, the boys gave as much as they got. At times they were lucky in not suffering a goal, but on most occasions, they defended diligently and frustrated the Moldovans who could not find their way through.

It was a pity that Luke Dimech was shown the red card together with Moldovan substitute Dadu near the end, soon after Moldova equalised.

One cannot single out players for their performance. They all fought like lions and they all committed some mistakes, but at the end, the result mattered most.

Malta suffered a lot on both flanks even if Roderick Briffa and Kenneth Scicluna did their very best. They were constantly helped by Woods and Mallia who were among the best players on the field of play, while both Brian Said and Luke Dimech were outstanding in the heart of the defence.

In midfield, Gilbert Agius and Jamie Pace had to concede the sector to their opponents with the result that they had to turn to defenders for most of the time.

In attack, Mifsud was often crowded out of the scene although he still had two attempts at goal. Andre Schembri was left isolated and could only be seen when called to help the defence and midfield.

Dimech must have been disappointed with the red card as it means he will now be missing the great match against the European champions, Greece, next Wednesday.

Played under a constant drizzle, the match had a slow start. Moldova had their first chance on seven minutes, but Zmeu kicked over the post with Haber out of position.

Olexic also had a shot going wide before the home side were awarded a penalty on 25 minutes when Briffa was judged to have pulled down Bugaiov. From the spot-kick, goalie Haber covered himself with glory as he dived to his right to save Frunza’s shot with Woods clearing the ball definitely away.

The Malta defence seemed to be crumbling any minute, but it somehow managed to survive the onslaught with Haber twice missing the ball as the Moldovans failed to capitalise.

Near the end of the half, Pace had a freekick just missing the crossbar while Haber was called to save a Fruntze header.

At the start of the second half, Malta appeared to have settled down better, but it only lasted a few minutes as Moldova took over once again and resumed their pressure on the Malta goal.

The defence was stretched to the limit, but Haber was only called to intervene on some crosses. However, on 67 minutes, Pace had to clear the ball away in extremis off a Zmeu low cross, while Haber again had to dive sideways to save a Fruntze freekick.

On 73 minutes Malta took a surprise lead when Woods received the ball on the right flank. The Sliema striker advanced and shot across goal with George Mallia running in to flick the ball home past Pascenco and silence the fans inside the Zimbru Stadium.

Soon after, Woods had to be stretchered away with Kevin Sammut taking his place on the right flank.

Moldova insisted on attack and they were rewarded with an equaliser on 82 minutes. From a Bugaiov freekick, Epureanu was left unmarked and allowed a free header from close in which beat Haber.

Confusion reigned supreme in the Malta net as the Moldovans tried to retrieve the ball quickly. When order was restored, the referee showed the red card to Luke Dimech and substitute Dadu who had come to blows inside the Malta goal.

On the 85th minute, Mifsud had a rare attempt at goal, but the goalie dived to save the grounder.

Three minutes later, at the other end, it was again Haber who denied Bugaiov and the Malta goalie was again Malta’s saviour seconds from the end as he saved a point-blank dangerous flick from Ivanov.