Malta secured a timely psychological boost ahead of their opening 2018 World Cup qualifier against Scotland on Sunday as they drew 1-1 with Estonia in a friendly match played in Parnu this evening.

Led by coach Pietro Ghedin, the Maltese side were more than a match for Estonia, especially in the second half when Alfred Effiong's equaliser galvanised his team-mates who went on to create a handful of other scoring chances.

Malta were unlucky not to win as captain Andrè Schembri hit the post in the final 15 minutes.

The difficulties encountered by the Maltese contingent en route to Estonia after their flight to Tallinn was cancelled were all forgotten as Ghedin's men left the pitch with a broad smile on their faces after their encouraging performance.

There were many positive individual showings as Malta were solid at the back, gritty in midfield and perky up front with Schembri, Effiong and the skilful Gambin combining well.

The game was initially short on scoring chances with Malta making it difficult for Estonia to create decent scoring chances.

In a counter-attack, Malta had a good chance to open the scoring the lead. Effiong did well to keep the ball before dragging it back to Gambin who showed deft footwork, skipping past Estonia players as he raced into the box but his cross-shot found no takers.

Eight minutes from half-time, Joseph Zerafa sent in a teasing cross towards the far post but Schembri was offside.

As the end of the first half approached, Estonia upped their game.

They had a good chance to score when Gert Kams was clean through after racing behind the Malta defence as he fastened onto a through-ball but his drive was pushed away by the alert Andrew Hogg.

Estonia broke the deadlock 11 minutes into the second half.

Cutting into the box from the left, Sergei Zenjov made a series of feints to wrong-foot Andreim Agius before drilling an angled shot past Hogg. Estonia threatened to double their lead but Hogg saved from Zenjov who had been put through by Teniste.

The hosts paid dearly for this miss as Malta levelled.

Schembri's lofted pass invited Effiong to run forward, putting pressure on Nikita Baranov who skied the ball into the air in an attempt to clear. Barano's poor clearance soared into the goalmouth and, with goalkeeper Mihkel Aksalu off his line, Effiong dived in to fire the ball home.

Boosted by their equaliser, Malta continued to press forward. With 15 minutes left, Malta were unlucky not to go ahead with Gambin.

Three minutes from time, Roderick Briffa, who had just come on for Fenech, freed Michael Mifsud but the latter's strike was saved by Alasku.