Issue link: https://maltatoday.uberflip.com/i/989894
| SUNDAY • 3 JUNE 2018 maltatoday 28 FOOTBALL SPORTS A late penalty denied Malta what would have been another positive result as Georgia pre- vailed 1-0 in a friendly match played on Friday at the Silber- stadt Arena in Schwaz. Captain Guram Kashia, of top Dutch club Vitesse Arnhem, leading the defence in his 64th inter- national cap, made no mistake from the spot to give his side a boost for their next friendly early next week in Luxembourg. Malta coach Ray Farrugia made four changes from the 1-1 draw against Armenia. After being included as a sub- stitute against Armenia on Tues- day night, Hibernians winger Jo- seph Mbong, aged 20, made his starting debut on the right flank while 19-year-old Rangers mid- fielder Myles Beerman did the same on the left flank, his fifth international cap but his first ever start for the seniors. Goalkeeper Henry Bonello started ahead of Andrew Hogg while Ryan Camilleri replaced Ferdinando Apap in the heart of the defence. The first half belonged to Georgia who created the better opportunities but were denied by the alert Bonello and the woodwork. Halfway into the first half, Saba Lobzhanidze had the best chance to open the scoring for the Georgians but failed to find the net when face to face with Bonello. In the 40th minute, Dinamo Tbilisi striker Dudu Zivzivadze missed another chance for his side, with Bonello affecting an- other good save. Tension crept into the game early in the second half, result- ing in five yellow cards in the space of 10 minutes, including the expulsion of Georgia mid- fielder Valerian Gvilia for a dou- ble caution. Camilleri had a glorious chance to put Malta ahead in the 57th minute after connect- ing with a dangerous free-kick by Beerman at the far post but his effort from close-in was par- ried by Georgian goalkeeper Roin Kvaskhvadze. With a man less on the pitch, Georgia struggled as the Mal- tese grew more adventurous. Kyrian Nwoko, on as a sub- stitute, broke through on goal after chasing a long ball but his low effort was repelled by the Georgia goalkeeper. With one minute on the clock, Steve Borg was adjudged to have pulled down Giorgii Beridze and the referee point- ed to the penalty spot. Guram Kashia coolly slotted the ball home despite Bonello diving the right way. On the positive side for Malta, in the 84th minute, Hibernians midfielder Dunstan Vella made his debut for the national team, replacing Roderick Briffa, who played his 96th game. Late penalty denies Malta against Georgia Photos: Paul Zammit Cutajar/MFA Malta fell short of a second successive draw amidst a spirited performance