In 1969, Malta participated for the second time in the UEFA Amateur Championship where they met Greece and Italy in the qualifying stage of the competition.
Malta played its first match on October 12, 1969 at the Stadium against Greece. It proved to be a happy start for tiny Malta against opponents who, before the start of the tourney, were considered favourites to reach the second phase.
Malta’s hastily-prepared team rose to the occassion and beat Greece by a solitary goal, scored after only four minutes by Carmel Camenzuli.
The Greeks did not expect such a reception from the Maltese and they did not take this defeat nicely. The match was marred by many unsavoury incidents.
Trouble started midway through the first half when Talijeves spit at a ball-boy. The crowd roared its disapproval but the real trouble started on the half-hour when Ballafas pushed roughly another ball-boy who was near the touchline. The Maltese supporters needed no more prompting and for the rest of the game they jeered and taunted the Greeks for the least provocation.
Malta played its second home match of the competition against Italy on November 11, 1969.
Malta’s good form continued but they had to thank goalkeeper Robert Gatt for the prestigious 1-1 result obtained against vastly superior opposition.
It was Gatt who, on two occasions, denied the Italians certain goals. Technically, the visitors were streets ahead. They combined better and had a good grip on midfield.
Skipper Robbie Buttigieg was an inspiration to the Maltese team. He brought stability in defence but, unfortunately for him, it was one of his rare mistakes which led to the Italians’ goal.
It was in the ninth minute of the second half that Buttigieg lost the ball to Morano. The Italian passed to Valbruni on the right who shot into the corner of the net, leaving Gatt standing.
The Italians, perhaps, deserved their early lead but they could easily have been beaten when Malta first equalised, through Camenzuli, and then, roared on by the home crowd, threatened seriously for the winner.
Elated by their success the Maltese enjoyed territorial advantage as the Italians’ poise gradually vanished.
Malta continued to press for the winner and in the 36th minute Bosini tried to clear with a double-kick but he only sliced his clearance. The ball bounced in the area but Ninu Attard was taken by surprise and failed to snap up an excellent scoring opportunity.
In the 38th minute, Joe Serge replaced Norman Buckle.
Camenzuli, however, was injured shortly afterwards and Malta had to continue with ten men because they had already made use of the two substitutes allowed by the rules.
Then, in the second minute of injury time, the Italians nearly snatched the winner.
Tonna hesitated to clear his lines and his clearance was intercepted by Morano who streaked through but when everything seemed lost, Gatt came to the rescue and effected a brilliant save.
Malta’s away games were an anti-climax to an otherwise quite successful home campaign.
Malta lost 0-5 to Greece on March 4, 1970, and then, four days later, lost 0-4 to Italy.