UEFA UNDER-17 CHAMPIONSHIP 2025
LEAGUE B – GROUP B5
MALTA….0
BULGARIA…3
The second stage of the UEFA Under-17 Championship 2025 got underway earlier today, with Malta kicking off their Group B campaign against a formidable Bulgaria side at the Centenary Stadium. Drawn alongside Luxembourg and the Faroe Islands, the Maltese team faced a tough opening test, ultimately falling 3-0 to the tournament favourites.
Bulgaria, who narrowly missed out on qualification for the U17 Finals last November in a group featuring Turkey and Serbia, came into this stage as a strong contender for promotion to League A under UEFA’s newly-introduced two-league format. Their experience and physical presence showed, especially in a dominant first half.
The Bulgarians opened the scoring on 18 minutes, capitalising on a set-piece situation. Ilian Gatinski’s free-kick wasn’t dealt with by the Maltese defence, allowing Radostin Stoilov to tap in at the far post. Just minutes later, playmaker Martin Peychev, one of two foreign-based players in Bulgaria’s starting XI, cut through the Maltese box to assist captain Kaloyan Bozhkov, who fired just over. Malta’s goalkeeper Adam Newell was then called into action several times, making key saves to deny Bozhkov, Minkov, and Stoilov. However, on 39 minutes, Maksim Minkov doubled Bulgaria’s lead following a smooth attacking move.
Despite being two goals down at the break, Malta responded admirably in the second half. Coach Francesco Macri’s side emerged with greater intent and nearly pulled one back within minutes of the restart. Scott Camilleri broke through on goal, but Bulgarian goalkeeper Ognian Vladimirov produced two fine saves—first from Camilleri and then Zyas Vella-Newell on the rebound.
Malta continued to press, with Camilleri testing Vladimirov again from long range on 53 minutes. Their best opportunity came on the hour mark when Matteo-Paolo Grech, unmarked inside the six-yard box, missed a clear chance following a precise Gianluca Cauchi cross.
The home side dictated much of the second half, pushing Bulgaria deep into their own territory and creating several dangerous moments. Vella-Newell came close again on 73 minutes with a long-range effort that the Bulgarian keeper misjudged, though the resulting corner came to nothing.
However, any hopes of a comeback were dashed in the 82nd minute when Bulgaria added a third. A cross from Aleksandar Kalchev was met powerfully by substitute Samuil Tsonov, whose header sealed the win.
There were bright spots for Malta, particularly in the performances of goalkeeper Adam Newell and debutant defender Andreas Vella, who recently joined Palermo from Melita. Chesterfield striker Gunnar Elliott also made his mark off the bench, forcing one final save from Vladimirov with a late long-range effort.
Malta will now turn their focus to Sunday’s clash with Luxembourg at the Centenary Stadium, scheduled for an 11:00am kick-off. Meanwhile, Luxembourg and the Faroe Islands face each other on Thursday at 14:30hrs in the group’s second match.
Malta
Adam Newell, Emerson Mejlak (Sky Chetcuti 81′), Keerin Formosa (Ben Gaerty 46′), Sami Abo Assaf, Andreas Vella, Gianluca Cauchi, Zyas Vella-Newell, Jack Camilleri, Daniel Pawley (Matteas Caruana 81′), Scott Camilleri (Gunner Elliott 68′), Matteo Paolo Grech
Coach: Francesco Macri
Bulgaria
Ognian Vladimirov, Emanuil Nyagolov, Bozhidar Zhechev, Stoyan Lazarov, Martin Portarski, Radostin Stoilov (Ventislav Mihaylov 83′), Kaloyan Bozhkov, Martin Peychev (Valentino Varbanov 65′), Nikola Genchev (Sasho Grancharov 65′), Ilian Gatinski (Aleksandar Kalchev 74′), Maksim Minkov (Samuil Tsonov 74′)
Coach: Todor Simov
Referee
Aaron Wyn Jones (Wales)
