Malta U-21’s first outing in 2017 ended in disappointment when they suffered a 5-0 defeat to Luxembourg in a friendly at the Stade Albert Berchem, in Kehlen, yesterday.

The Maltese youngsters struggled to settle down as they found themselves two goals behind, one from the penalty spot, and had Jean Borg sent off after only 23 minutes.

Luxembourg were now firmly in command and they made their numerical advantage count when they added two other goals inside the opening eight minutes of the second half before completing the rout with a fifth goal late on.

Coach Vella will now look to lift the morale of his players ahead of Monday’s opening UEFA U-21 Championship Group Six qualifier against Belgium in Louvain.

Malta: P. Schranz, J. Borg, J. Corbalan, J. Degabriele, M. Guillaumier, J. Mbong, K. Micallef, K. Nwoko, Z. Scerri, K. Zammit, M. Beerman.

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