Malta’s Under-15 side opened their UEFA Development Tournament campaign with a dramatic victory over San Marino, triumphing 5-4 on penalties after surrendering a two-goal lead late on at the Centenary Stadium.
Jonathan Holland’s team looked to be in full control after first-half strikes from Jesmar Spiteri and Enzo De Freitas Romao had put the hosts 2-0 up, but two stoppage-time goals from San Marino forward Samuel Mattei forced the match into a shootout. Goalkeeper Zack Pule’ proved decisive, saving the final spot-kick to secure Malta’s win.
Bright start from Malta
The home side set the tone early, pressing high and creating chances. In the 4th minute, Andvic Inguanez unleashed a fierce left-footed shot that was only just kept out by Jacopo Morri. Malta’s pressure paid off midway through the half when Spiteri coolly finished from the edge of the box in the 23rd minute.
Just four minutes later, Giuseppe Melarosa slipped a clever pass through to De Freitas Romao, who finished confidently to double the lead. From then on, Malta dictated play, heading into the break with a comfortable advantage.
Missed chances prove costly
After half-time, San Marino found their rhythm and tested Malta’s defensive shape. In the 57th minute, Enea De Biagi struck a dangerous free-kick, forcing a fine save from Pule’.
Malta, however, continued to look threatening and came close to sealing the game. Declan Roosevelt Zammit and Nikolai Vella Giordimaina both went close, the latter hitting the woodwork in the 85th minute. Moments later, Yan Calleja also struck the bar, as the hosts pushed for a third goal.
Late San Marino fightback
The missed opportunities proved costly when San Marino stunned Malta with two late goals. Mattei reduced the deficit in the 89th minute, latching onto a pass from Nathan Cola, before completing a remarkable comeback two minutes into stoppage time with a composed finish to make it 2-2.
Malta hold their nerve
With penalties required, both teams showed composure from the spot. In the end, Malta converted all five of their kicks, while Pule’ denied De Biagi to clinch a dramatic win for the hosts.
Centenary Stadium, 30 September 2025
Malta 2–2 San Marino
(HT: 2-0)
Malta win 5-4 on penalties
Scorers: Spiteri 23’, De Freitas Romao 27’ (MLT); Mattei 89’, 90+2’ (SMR)
Line-ups
Malta: Pule’ (GK), J. Camilleri (Pace 67’), Inguanez (Vella Brincat 67’), Vella Giordimaina, Cutajar (C), Montebello (Calleja 75’), Olorundare (Azzopardi 61’), Spiteri (Mifsud 61’), Mangion (Zammit 67’), Melarosa (Grech 75’), De Freitas Romao (Bonanno 75’).
Coach: Jonathan Holland
San Marino: Morri (GK), Donci (Francioni 57’), Taddei (Ricci 46’), Cola, Mattei, Gobbi (Rosati 71’), Berardinelli (Celli 75’), Ugolini (Pignatiello 46’), Selva (Grandoni 46’), Gualandi (C) (De Biagi 57’), Frisoni (Castelli 46’).
Coach: Dario Ettore Vandi
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