MALTA               0

ESTONIA            3

Sappinen 1

Mosnikov 14 pen.

Anier 89

Tom Saintfiet's debut as Malta coach ended in defeat as Estonia cruised to a 3-0 victory at the National Stadium.

The Belgian was making his first appearance on the Malta bench since replacing Pietro Ghedin but his hopes of a positive result when killed off after the team conceded two goals in the first 14 minutes.

Malta were off to a disastrous start as they fell behind after only 50 seconds of play.

Artjom Dmitrijev’s throughball caught the Malta defence napping and Rauno Sappinen moved past Agius, rounded Bonello and pushed the ball into an empty net.

Malta fell two goals behind on 14 minutes.

Artur Pikk was upended in the area by Steve Borg as he was about to shoot and referee Genc Nuza pointed to the spot.

Sergei Mosnikov sent Bonello the wrong way to put Estonia in the driving seat.

Estonia were clearly on top and Bonello produced a fine one-handed save to keep out Mosnikov’s inswinger.

Malta finally threatened on 33 minutes when Farrugia controlled the ball just inside the area and his firm drive was tipped round the upright by Marko Meerits, the Estonia goalkeeper.

On 68 minutes, Kyrian Nwoko should have marked his debut with a goal as the young Valletta striker latched onto Mifsud’s cross but fired over from routine distance.

Fifteen minutes from time, Mifsud played in substitute Alfred Effiong but the Nigerian-born forward shot straight into the hands of Meerits.

Malta continued to push forward but it was Estonia who sealed the win a minute from time when Mattias Kait sent a low cross towards Henri Anjer who stabbed the ball home.

Paul Fenech in action for Malta against Estonia. Photo: Matthew Mirabelli