Early goal sinks Malta U-23 in Belgium

Malta U-23 suffered a 1-0 defeat away to Belgium in their second Group A match from the 2009/10 International Challenge Trophy yesterday.

Maciel Campos hit the winning goal for Belgium after only 12 minutes as Malta slumped to their second defeat in as many matches after going down 3-1 to an Italian Lega Pro Selection in their opening game at the National Stadium in December.

Played in wintry conditions, yesterday's game was an uphill battle for Carmel Busuttil's side but the Maltese improved gradually with Floriana's Christian Caruana catching the eye with a lively performance.

Malta U-23: H. Bonello, J. Grioli (E. Herrera), G. Calabretta (M. Bartolo), J. Zerafa, A. Agius, R. Fenech (R. Deguara), C. Failla, E. Agius, I. Zammit, C. Caruana, D. Falzon.