vMalta fully deserved their two -nil win away to Azerbaijan in a friendly international on Friday night.
The hosts enjoyed much of the possession but Malta’s defense stifled almost all their attacks. Azerbaijan were a constant danger but keeper Al-Tumi was outstanding, pulling off some crucial close range efforts.
Goal-less at the break, the break-through finally came after the hour mark when Chouaref, who had another fine game, fired in a cross from the right and found Joseph Mbong whose first time effort was blocked. He reacted faster than the Azerbaijan defenders and fired the rebound past Balayev.
Malta 1-0 in front but with 25 minutes remaining, Azerbaijan threw everything at them. Brave defending by Malta kept Azerbaijan at bay. And then the deciding moment. Less than five minutes of normal time remaining, Mbong and Satariano worked a neat one-two for Satariano to fire past Balayev and seal the win for Malta.
A fine performance from a Maltese side under the guidance of Emilio De Rey.
