Malta’s Under-19 side were unable to close their UEFA European Championship qualifying campaign on a high, falling 2–1 to Azerbaijan on Tuesday morning at the Centenary Stadium. Despite taking an early second-half lead, two well-crafted goals from the visitors turned the match around and pushed Azerbaijan into third place in the group.
Following Saturday’s impressive draw against the Czech Republic, Malta entered the final match with a mathematical—though distant—chance of progressing as the best third-placed team. To stay in contention, they required a convincing win, but instead found themselves undone by an organised and efficient Azerbaijani side.
First half: balanced but chances scarce
Coach Vasco Regini made two enforced changes to his starting XI, introducing Jack Camilleri and Nathan Zerafa for the suspended Thomas Melillo and Kai Bartolo.
The match began quietly, with both sides struggling to create sustained pressure. Azerbaijan, however, carved out the clearer openings. Just three minutes in, Shahismayil Jafarov broke through Malta’s defence but dragged his shot wide.
Malta’s best moment of the half came on 19 minutes when Sheldon Borg rose to head against the crossbar—but the referee’s whistle had already gone for a foul.
Goalkeeper James Sissons was alert throughout, stopping efforts from Shahin Ibrahimov and Anar Huseynov to keep the score goalless at the break.
Second half: Malta strike first, Azerbaijan fight back
Malta came out energised and nearly struck immediately through Dejan Farrugia, who hit the side-netting after a sharp move down the left.
The breakthrough arrived in the 49th minute. Nathan Zerafa burst into space inside the box and delivered a precise pass across goal for Farrugia, who drilled home a low finish past Habib Hushanov.
Moments later, Lyon Abela had a golden chance to double the lead when clean through on goal, but mishit his attempt directly at the Azerbaijani goalkeeper.
Azerbaijan capitalised on the missed opportunity. On the hour mark, Nadir Orujov rifled a strike beyond Sissons after good work from Ibrahimov to level the score. The visitors then grew in confidence, with Ibrahimov going close again minutes later.
Sheldon Borg forced a routine save from Hushanov with a header on 77 minutes, but three minutes later Malta were punished. A looping cross to the far post found Jafarov, whose header bounced in off the bar to give Azerbaijan the lead.
Malta nearly forced an equaliser three minutes from time when substitute Shaun Xiberras struck a powerful effort against the post, but the rebound was cleared and Azerbaijan held firm.
Group standings
Elsewhere, the Czech Republic defeated Northern Ireland 4–0 to top the group on seven points. Northern Ireland finished second with six, followed by Azerbaijan on three, and Malta ending fourth with a single point.
Despite the disappointment, Malta’s spirited performances—especially against the Czech Republic—show significant progress within the squad.
Line-ups
Malta:
James Sissons; Malik Amin (Jayden Vella 85’), Sheldon Borg (Aiden Agius 90+1’), Nathan Joyce, George Grima; Jack Camilleri (Jake Borg 80’), Andreas Vella; Dejan Farrugia, Liam Micallef (Shaun Xiberras 85’), Lyon Abela (Emerson Piscopo 70’); Nathan Zerafa.
Coach: Vasco Regini
Azerbaijan:
Habib Hushanov; Nadir Orujov, Tunjay Ahmadov, Omar Hasanli, Vusal Pashayev; Eltun Babazada, Aliakbar Rzazada; Rauf Gafarov (Anar Huseynov 33’), Shahin Ibrahimov (Mehdi Mutallimli 89’), Ziya Shakarkhanov (Nihad Orujali 70’); Shahismayil Jafarov.
Coach: Elkhan Abdullayev
Referee: Oliver Reitala (Finland)
Sports Editor
Veteran Journalist
Leave a Reply