The Under 17 teams of Malta and Albania drew 1-1 in the first of two friendly matches being played this week.

Edwin Camilleri’s team started off the match in a convincing manner producing some fluent football and dictating play. Albania, after a slow start had some shots at goal but it was the home team who scored first with a well taken shot by Luke Montebello in the 24th minute after an excellent through pass by Llywelyn Cremona.

Albania, in white shirts and shorts, managed to score in the second half in a solitary attack when their striker was floored inside the Maltese box. Marku Kristi calmly took the responsibilty of the penalty and scored, dispatching the keeper the other way.

Luke Montebello nearly scored again with barely five minutes to go after a choral move ended with a well placed shot by the Birkirkara striker which hit the upright with the ball bouncing back onto the field of play.

Malta lined up as follows: L. Pecorella, C. Cumbo, M. Bonello, F. Muscat, G. Mackay, K. Cesare, R. Spiteri, K. Zammit, L. Cremona, L. Montebello, M. Thorne. Reserves: JC Debattista, B. Borg, M. Degiorgio, L. Muscat, G. Aquilina, P. Dandolo, J. Muscat, J. Pisani, M. Attard.

Malta and Albania meet again in the second friendly match today at 11am at the Hibernians Stadium.