Malta’s Under-21 side led by coach Silvio Vella obtained a prestigious win yesterday in Riga coming from behind in the second half to win 2-1.

The victory puts the Maltese youngsters on top of Group 1 of the 2017 Under-21 European qualifiers, with four points from two matches.

Five days ago Malta obtained another good result holding Moldova to a scoreless draw in Chisinau.

Malta played another good game and deserved the three points, scoring the winner minutes after Latvia missed a penalty.

The game was a balanced affair with the Maltese sharing the exchanges for long stretches.

Two minutes from the break Stuglis, who was substituted in the second half, put the home side in front.

Malta had a good reaction in the second half and after ten minutes Birkirkara’s Ryan Camenzuli obtained the equaliser.

Both sides had several attempts at goal and on 76 minutes Latvia were awarded a penalty when Attard fouled

Tidenbergs, but from the penalty spot Flaksis failed to beat Borg.

Latvia paid dearly for this as two minutes later Luke Montebello scored what proved to be the winner for Malta.

Latvia – Kurakins, Tumanova, Cernomordijs, Flaksis, Ikuanieks, Stuglis, Gutvoksics, Tidenbergs, Slampe, Sadcins, Kirijins.

Malta – Borg, Briffa, Arab, Zerafa, Camenzuli, Montebello, Muscat, Cesare, Guillaumier (Agius 88 min), Cremona, Attard.

Referee – Jens Maae (Denmark)