Nations League: Late penalty gives spirited Malta deserved victory and slim hopes of promotion

MALTA ........................ 1MOLDOVA .................. 0Malta: H. Bonello, J. Borg, R. Camenzuli, G. Mentz (Z. Muscat 93'), K. Shaw (L. Tabone 93'), M. Guillaumier, J. Mbong, P. Mbong (A. Satariano 71'), T. Teuma, L. Montebello (K. Reid 46'), T.

By: independent.com.mt

Oct 13 2024
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Nations League: Late penalty g

MALTA ........................ 1

MOLDOVA .................. 0

Malta: H. Bonello, J. Borg, R. Camenzuli, G. Mentz (Z. Muscat 93'), K. Shaw (L. Tabone 93'), M. Guillaumier, J. Mbong, P. Mbong (A. Satariano 71'), T. Teuma, L. Montebello (K. Reid 46'), T. Buhagiar (B. Tuma 46').

Moldova: D. Celeadnic, O. Reabciuk, V. Baboglo, D. Marandici (M. Cojocaru 46'), A. Ionita (V. Stina 77'), V. Damascan (D. Mandricenco 55'), M. Caimacov, A. Craciun, V. Mudrac, S. Plastica, V. Rata (V. Postolachi 87').

Referee: John Brooks (England)

Yellow cards: K. Shaw, O. Reabciuk, G. Mentz, M. Cojocaru, M. Caimacov, J. Mbong,

Scorer: T. Teuma 87' pen

A spirited Malta side deservedly beat Moldova yesterday after a brilliant second half performance. After opening the score late in the game, Malta had another golden opportunity in stoppage time when the locals won a second penalty but Teuma sent well over the bar.

This victory leaves malta with a small chance of qualifying, needing a favour from Andorra in the match againt Moldova, with Malta then needing a victory on the closing day at Ta' Qali.

But victory apart the Maltese impressed with their flowing football especially on the resumption where the inclusion of Kemar Reid and Basil Tuma created havoc in the Moldova rearguard.

Captain Guillaumier was outstanding in midfield together with Teuma who are the pillars of the side, but even debuttant Mentz had a very good game. Satariano too confirmed his growth giving a good contribution in the final 20 minutes of the game.

Mazzotta did not make drastical tactical changes playing with the usual three defenders and with Joseph Mbong and Camenzuli on the flanks. There were a couple of new faces however with Gabriel Bohrer Mentz and Trent Buhagiar making their debut for Malta.

Moldova went out for an early goal with high pressing upsetting the locals, abut after dominating the early minutes Moldovaeased the pressure as Malta grew in composure and had more of the ball in the second part of the first half.

At the start of the second half Mazzotta made two changes with Basil Tuma also making hid debut fior the national team.

Moldova had a better start and had a good opportunity on seven minutes with a melee in front of Bonello but the Maltese defence somehow managed to clear the danger.

Malta's first attempt came on 21 minutes, a long range effort from Kurt Shaw that was blocked by Celeadnic. Minutes later an opportunity between the two making their debut with Mentz heading over the bar a Buhagiar freekick.

On 32 minutes a Teuma freekick almost deceived the Moldova custudion who however managed to block. Four minutes later a good opportunity for Moldova but Bonello saved well Damascan's effort.

The second half started with a dangerous corner from Teuma which the Moldova goalkeeper saved with some difficulty, and a grounder from newcomer Kemar Reid which was again blocked by Celeadnic.

Malta's football was now more flowing and Teuma had a deflected effort again saved by Celeadnic.

Four minutes from time a good Malta move with Reid blocked by the goalkeeper's sortie and from the rebound Tuma was the fastest but was tripped by Bobogolo with the referee awarding the penalty.

From the spot Teddy Teuma made no mistake.

Malta continued to attack with Moldova in apparent difficultyand on 94 minutes Malta won a second penalty for a handling infringement but from the penalty spot Teuma blasted over the bar.

Photo: Domenic Aquilina