Brave Malta U19 hold Czech Republic to 2–2 draw after dramatic finish

UEFA Under-19 Championship – Qualification Group 13
15 November 2025 – Centenary Stadium, Ta’ Qali

MALTA 2
CZECH REPUBLIC 2
(HT 0–1)

Scorers:
0–1 Jiri Micek 17′
1–1 Dejan Farrugia 57′
2–1 Jake Borg 90+2′
2–2 Jiri Micek 90+4′

Malta’s Under-19 side produced a spirited display to claim a well-earned point against tournament favourites Czech Republic, drawing 2–2 after a thrilling finale at the Centenary Stadium.

The Maltese boys, who had already impressed in their opening match against Northern Ireland, once again rose to the occasion despite the Czechs dominating long stretches of the match and coming off a resounding 6–1 victory over Azerbaijan.

Czechs Strike First

Czech pressure paid off early. After James Sissons denied Jakub Rehak on 14 minutes, the visitors took the lead shortly after when defender Jiri Micek headed home from a corner.

Malta were inches from equalising on 34 minutes when Kai Bartolo created space inside the box and struck the post. Moments later, Sheldon Borg forced Czech goalkeeper Daniel Basta into a save.

Malta Fight Back

Coach Vasco Regini introduced several fresh faces into the starting XI, and the tactical adjustments paid off after the interval. In the 57th minute, Dejan Farrugia produced a stunning top-corner finish from a Lyon Abela cross to bring Malta level.

Malta nearly completed the turnaround on 74 minutes when Thomas Melillo struck the crossbar following great work by Andreas Vella and Bartolo down the right flank.

A Dramatic Ending

As the match entered stoppage time, substitute Jake Borg sent the home fans into raptures with a brilliant curled free-kick from the left, giving Malta a remarkable 2–1 lead.

But the joy was short-lived. Just two minutes later, Micek struck again, heading in from close range to level the score and spare Czech blushes.

A Valuable Point with Everything Still to Play For

Malta earned their first point of the group stage, and a positive result against Azerbaijan on Tuesday could put them in contention for an unexpected Elite Round qualification.

Line-ups

Malta:
Sissons, Amin, S. Borg (J. Borg 80), Joyce, Grima, Melillo (Xiberras 90), A. Vella, Farrugia, Micallef (Camilleri 68), Abela (Piscopo 68), Bartolo (Zerafa 80).
Coach: Vasco Regini

Czech Republic:
Basta, Beran, Siegl (Sloncik 72), Micek, Kolisek, Hellebrand, Naskos (Frydl 65), Sosna (Kolarik 65), Dvoracek, Svancara (Moudry 46), Rehak (Buffon 77).
Coach: Vaclav Jilek

Referee: Kyriakos Athanasiou (Cyprus)

Gerald Fenech

Sports Editor
Veteran Journalist