A penalty sixteen minutes from time condemned Malta to a defeat against Belgium in a Group 8 UEFA Under-21 qualifier.

Edwin Camilleri’s boys defended for long stretches and only gave in to penaltythat was awarded following a tackle by Valletta’s Steve Borg on Jeremy Huyghebaer. Sven Kums beat Henry Bonello from the penalty spot for the decisive goal.

Belgium hit the cross bar through Nainbbolan in the first half. Goalkeeper Henry Bonello made some good saves, especially on a freekick taken by Bia Mujangi.

In stoppage time Malta equalised with a Richard Chetcuti effort, but his goal was disallowed for an offside infringement.

Malta lined up as follows : H. Bonello, B. Muscat, D. Pisani, S. Borg, T. Farrugia, J. Mintoff, T. Vella, R. Muscat, M. Ciantar (L. Sciberras 71 min), R. Chetcuti, G. Gribbon.