MALTA                 2       

Nwoko 27, Grech 66 pen.

GEORGIA             5      

Bughridze 15; Zarandia 32; Arveladze 50, 53; Zarandia 90+3

The Malta U-21 side disappointed in a 2-5 defeat to Georgia in a friendly match at the Centenary Stadium, on Tuesday.

The visitors almost took the lead on minute 8 when Vato Arveladze’s effort beat goalkeeper Jake Galea but Michele Sansone cleared the ball off the goal line.

Malta levelled matters on the 27th minute when following a good move on the right flank, he served Kyrian Nwoko who hit home past Luka Gugeshasvili.

Five minutes later, Georgia regained the lead thanks to a fine curved rising shot by captain Luka Zarandia which gave Jake Galea no chance.

Vato Arveladze made it 3-1 with a diagonal shot from the right which beat substitute goalie Matthew Grech.

Arveladze continued to impress as he scored a fourth goal on the 53rd minute when he concluded a fine solo effort with a low shot from the edge of the area which beat Grech.

Malta reduced the gap on the 66th minute. Substitute Christian Mercieca advanced on the left but Luka Nozadze handled the ball inside the area.

Greek referee Georgis Kominis ordered a penalty and Jake Grech converted from the penalty spot.

Substitute Giorgi Kolhreidze almost added another for Georgia with a diagonal shot from the right on the 75th minute. 

In added time, Georgia were awarded a penalty after Jake Grech floored Luka Zarandia. From the penalty spot, Zarandia converted in style to make it 5-2.