MALTA U-21 FALL TO LATVIA IN FIFTH STRAIGHT QUALIFYING DEFEAT

Malta’s U-21 side endured another frustrating night in the European Championship qualifiers, suffering their fifth consecutive defeat after a 1-0 loss to Latvia at the National Stadium.

The visitors dominated from the start, forcing goalkeeper Karl Sargeant into several crucial saves to keep Malta in the game. Latvia’s pressure finally paid off on the hour mark when Kevins Cesnieks capitalized on a failed clearance from a corner to stab home the winner.

Malta’s attacking play lacked fluency throughout, and coach Davide Mazzotta’s team rarely threatened until substitutes Keyun Ewurum and Nicholas Agius were introduced. Ewurum came closest when his effort was blocked, while Jake Vassallo’s deflected shot from a free-kick went narrowly wide.

The night worsened for Malta when Benjamin Hili was shown a straight red card in the 84th minute, ending any hopes of a late comeback. With five defeats in a row, Mazzotta’s side faces an uphill battle to salvage pride in the remaining qualifiers.

#MaltaDaily