Late goal ends Malta U-19s’ fightback in Cyprus defeat

The Malta Under-19 team wrapped up their commitments at the UEFA Under-19 Championship Qualifying Tournament with a harsh 2-0 defeat to Cyprus at the Valentino Mazzola Stadium in Santarcangelo di Romagna. The match was a balanced affair with the Maltese youngsters giving as much as they got. They produced a spirited fightback after falling behind early in the second half but their efforts failed to yield an equaliser before Cyprus secured the win with a stoppage-time goal. After a goalless first half, Cyprus forged ahead six minutes into the second half through Thomas Nikolau who scored from a free-kick. The Maltese team staged a strong reaction, going very close to an equaliser on 77 minutes when Jake Ghio’s effort was blocked by goalkeeper Savvas Nikolau. Malta maintained their pressure, creating further chances through Mattia Veselji and Ryan Tonna, but were unable to score. Cyprus sealed their win in stoppage time with a goal from Andronikos Kakoulli. Italy won Group 6 with a maximum nine points after beating Slovakia 3-0 in Tuesday’s other match. MALTA FORMATIONAmara Sylla, Andreas Vella, Glenn Attard, Christian Gauci, Shaun Dimech, Jamie Sixsmith, Paul Mbong, Jake Ghio (80 Ryan Tonna), Alexander Satariano, Sebastian Grech (64 Mattia Veselji), Carlo Zammit Lonardelli. Referee: Ian McNabb (Northern Ireland).