Albania scored a spectacular long distance goal (see below) as Malta suffered a 2-0 defeat in a friendly match at the Niko Dovana Stadium in Durres this evening.
Having dropped the Valletta players from his squad over a training dispute with the Premier League club, Malta coach Pietro Ghedin handed a start to Balzan's Steve Bezzina at left-back while Birkirkara's Paul Fenech replaced Roderick Briffa in central midfield.
After Michael Mifsud missed an early chance for Malta, Albania took control. They opened the scoring on 26 minutes when Migjen Basha, who plays for Serie A club Torino, beat Malta goalkeeper Andrew Hogg with a header from a corner action.
Albania increased their advantage eight minutes into the second half, Alban Meha scoring with a powerful drive from the distance.