Albania-Malta 2-0

Albania defeated a depleted Malta side yesterday in Durres scoring a goal in each half.

It was a richly deserved win for the home side which dominated for most of the time being thwarted from increasing their tally by the goalpost and an in-form Malta goalie Andrew Hogg.

As is well known, Ghedin had to field an experimental side after leaving the six Valletta players at home – a decision taken after Valletta FC coach Andre Paus did not send his players to the first two training sessions last week.

Among the starters was Steve Bezzina, who earned a recall last week after his good performances for Balzan FC. In the second half, the young Hibernians midfielder, Bjorn Kristensen, was also roped in, therefore making his debut in the senior squad.

The Maltese never matched Albania who showed overall superiority and back by continuous and vociferous support from the Durres fans.

And it was thanks to the excellent saves of Andrew Hogg that the scoreline was kept to respectable standards – such was the Albanians’ domination.

The first half was completely dominated by Albania as Malta was forced on the defensive for most of the time.

However, it was Malta who went close to scoring first when after four minutes, an Albania defender cleared badly providing Mifsud with a clear path to goal. The Malta striker advanced into the Albanian area only to see his shot going just wide of the upright.

From then on, the Albanians applied hot pressure on the Malta fort with returning goalie Hogg effecting three good saves by the 19th minute.

Albania took the lead on 26 minutes when from a cornerkick, it was Migjen Basha, left completely unmarked, to head home.

From then on, it was the Albanians against the Maltese defence, or rather Hogg, as the Malta goalie covered himself with glory, effecting excellent saves off Agolli, Meha, Basha and Kaplani.

Three minutes from the interval, Mecha had a header going just wide while Hogg again saved off Meha and Agolli before the end of the first half.

Albania doubled their lead on the 53rd minute with a long distance effort from Alban Meha as Hogg was taken completely by surprise.

Three minutes later, it was Jahmir Hyka who almost added another one, but his shot hit the upright and his rebound was saved by Hogg.

It was in the 72nd minute that Malta produced its first shot in the second half – a Michael Mifsud effort from the edge of the area that sailed over the bar.

Albania continued to dictate matters till the end, but they failed to add to their tally.

Malta lined up as follows:

A. Hogg, A. Muscat, S. Bezzina, A. Agius, R. Camilleri, J. Mintoff, G. Sciberras (B. Kristensen), P. Fenech, C. Failla, A. Schembri, M. Mifsud.