Malta U-16's off to winning start after beating Albania

MALTA U-16 2ALBANIA U16 0The Malta U-16's team enjoyed a bright start to the UEFA Youth Boys Development Tournament after beating Albania 2-0 in their opening match at the Centenary Stadium on Monday.

Andrea Zammit’s well-taken brace rewarded Malta’s lively second-half performance and resilient effort.The game was generally balanced with Albania seeing more of the ball in the opening half but Malta, led by coach Noel Turner, created some good opportunities on the counter.Ten minutes into the game, Kurt Briffa made a timely run into the Albania box from the left but his effort lacked the power to trouble the Albanian goalkeeper.Four minutes later, Miguel Spiteri, the Malta U-16's goalkeeper, was prominent with a fine save to push away Klajdi Lusha’s dangerous shot from just outside the box.Azriel Borg then embarked on a solo run through the middle but his drive was blocked by Qenan Bokova, the Albania goalkeeper.The visiting team tried to up the pressure in the late stages of the first half but were kept at bay by the Maltese players with Spiteri solid in goal.Two minutes before the break, Zammit went close with a rising effort which sailed over the bar.The Maltese youngsters...