Alfred Effiong is a relative newcomer to international football but his remarkable goal on Monday went a long way towards enhancing his reputation in Malta and beyond.

Malta were leading Lithuania 1-0 thanks to Paul Fenech’s screamer when, with just over 10 minutes remaining, Effiong, who had come on for Andrew Cohen on the hour, retrieved possession inside his team’s half.

Swivelling to pull clear of his marker, Effiong strode forward before sweeping past two Lithuania defenders as he veered infield to create space for a shot.

Sensing that Lithuania goalkeeper Edvinas Gertmanas had strayed off his line, Effiong unleashed a ferocious drive that soared into the top corner.

As the ball nestled into the net, Effiong looked on incredulously while the stunned 950 spectators at the National Stadium rose to applaud his outstanding effort.

“It’s the best goal of my career,” Effiong, who was making his third appearance for Malta, told Times of Malta, yesterday.

“It was a special feeling, I mean scoring my first goal for the national team in such a way was like a dream come true.

“I’m also happy because my goal and the victory against Lithuania have given us a morale booster ahead of Friday’s qualifier against Bulgaria.”

Although Effiong has tormented defences in Maltese football with his speed and power for much of the past decade, his majestic strike against Lithuania was probably the most spectacular goal ever scored by a national team player.

Asked to describe what went through his mind when he embarked on his run, Effiong replied: “When I got the ball, I think I was ahead of all my team-mates.

“I thought of running into the space in front of me. The Lithuania players tried to keep up with me but I managed to move clear of them. It was at that point that I noticed that the goalkeeper was not in the right position and I gave it a shot.”

Effiong admitted that his immediate reaction to his goal was one of disbelief.

“I was amazed to be honest,” the Qormi striker reflected.

“I couldn’t believe that I had just scored such a fantastic goal.

“I didn’t celebrate at first because I was in a state of disbelief but then I saw the fans celebrating and suddenly I was mobbed by my team-mates.

“I want to thank them because without their support, none of this would have been possible.”

Obviously, I wish to be in the starting team but if the coach wants me to come on as a substitute, I will give my all just the same

Effiong’s goal against Lithuania. which has been shortlisted for the goal of the year accolade at the 2014/15 Malta FA Awards, has also captured the attention of the international media with the Daily Mirror posting a clip of his strike under the headline ‘Forget Messi, forget Ronaldo – Nobody has scored a golazo like Malta’s Alfred Effiong’.

The striker was surprised to learn that his goal has generated so much hype overseas.

“To be honest, I wasn’t really expecting this response,” he said.

“I want to thank God for this win.

“I didn’t know that international sports websites had picked up my goal as this morning (yesterday) we had a light session and I didn’t take my mobile phone with me.

“It was only when I returned to the team hotel that the other players asked me whether I had seen the stories about my goal on the internet.”

The exposure given to Effiong’s goal is likely to elicit the interest of potential suitors but any club wanting to sign him must talk to Qormi as the speedy striker has just signed a three-year contract with the Premier League club.

“I still have a three-year contract with Qormi,” Effiong said.

“I have been told that there are a number of clubs who are interested in me but if they want me, they must discuss with Qormi.”

His beauty on Monday also served to underline the qualities Effiong has brought to the national team’s attack since the Nigeria-born forward made his Malta debut in the 2-0 friendly defeat to Georgia in March, just a few weeks after obtaining his Maltese passport.

It will also have augmented his chances of starting Friday’s home qualifier against Bulgaria but the 30-year-old reiterated his willingness to do his best for the team, whether he starts the game or as a substitute.

“All depends on the tactical choices the coach makes,” Effiong said.

“I have to say that the strikers who started the game against Lithuania were also doing a great job.

“Obviously, I wish to be in the starting team but if the coach wants me to come on as a substitute, I will give my all just the same.”

During yesterday’s training session at Ta’ Qali, Effiong suffered a muscle strain but he is hopeful of recovering in time to play against Bulgaria on Friday.

Ghedin urges caution

Malta coach Pietro Ghedin has declared himself pleased with the win over Lithuania but urged caution.

“This was a useful win for us,” Ghedin said.

“The players were very attentive and committed fewer mistakes. They were convinced of their capabilities and showed commitment, which is very important.

“The game also enabled us to re-introduce some young players into the team, the likes of Bjorn Kristensen and Ryan Scicluna, who gave a good account of themselves but we also had a confirmation from the old guard.

“The win has been enriched with two great goals that gave us a lot of courage but now it’s important that we don’t getting carried away.

“We need to keep our feet on the ground.”