MALTA……………1
MONTENEGRO…4
(HT 3-0)
Malta’s U15 national football team faced a 4-1 loss in their first friendly match against Montenegro at Centenary Stadium on Monday. Despite an energetic performance, the young Maltese squad could not overcome Montenegro’s clinical finishing.
Montenegro started the match strongly, with Nikola Vukoje scoring a brace in the opening 15 minutes (9′ and 15′), giving his team an early lead. Malta had an early opportunity when a well-executed kick-off routine nearly led to a goal, but Montenegro’s goalkeeper Simon Sošić made an early save.
The visitors’ physical advantage and aerial threat were evident as they continued to apply pressure, with Vukoje adding a third in the 32nd minute, following a mix-up in Malta’s box. At the break, Montenegro led 3-0.
In the second half, Malta showed resilience. Lukas Wright converted a penalty in the 49th minute, bringing Malta back into the game after some excellent build-up play involving Giorgio Cristauro and Luke Buttigieg. However, Montenegro quickly regained their three-goal advantage just minutes later when Vukoje completed his hat-trick (52′) after intercepting a pass in midfield and slotting it past Malta’s goalkeeper Noah Mulholland.
Malta continued to push forward and came close to scoring again in the 53rd minute when Buttigieg was through on goal but saw his shot saved. Wright had another chance in the 85th minute, but his free-kick hit the crossbar.
The final scoreline read 4-1 in favor of Montenegro, but the Maltese side can take heart from their spirited performance and the glimpses of potential shown throughout the match.
Malta:
Noah Mulholland (GK), Liam Gatt, Giorgio Cristauro, Zayden Azzopardi, Adam Miceli, Matteo Mangion, Cole Zerafa, Ayrem Aquilina, Lukas Wright, Nicholas Busuttil (C), Luke Buttigieg
Coach: Jonathan Holland
Montenegro:
Simon Sošić (GK), Uroš Jošanović, Pavle Jovović, Darko Matanović, Luka Vušurović, Aleksa Caušević, Miloš Laković, Nikola Vukoje (C), Petar Marsenić, Nemanja Kljajević, Radomir Milić
Coach: Minja Ljumović
