The Malta Under-21 team maintained their unbeaten start in Euro 2017 qualifying Group 1 after beating Latvia 2-1 in Daugava this evening.

Ryan Camenzuli and Luke Montebello scored Malta’s goals in the second half after the home team had taken the lead just before half-time.

This was the second positive result for Silvio Vella’s team after they opened their commitments with a goalless draw against Moldova on Thursday.

Mala's players celebrating their win. Photo from Facebook

Both teams mirrored each other’s 4-4-1-1 tactical formation. The first half was a balanced affair but Latvia went ahead two minutes from the interval thanks to Ingars Stuglis.

Latvia’s lead only lasted 10 minutes into the second half as Malta captain Camenzuli, of Birkirkara, equalised, giving his team-mates the belief they could win the game.

Latvia pressed forward late on, winning a penalty in the 76th minute but goalkeeper Juergen Borg proved to be Malta’s hero as he saved Reinis Flaksis’s spotkick.

Spurred on by the save, Malta pushed forward and Valletta striker Montebello hit the winning goal with a fine strike 12 minutes from the end.

Malta closed the game at 2-1, securing three important points in a tough group also comprising Belgium, Montenegro, Czech Republic and Moldova.