Tough job awaits Malta U-21 in Belgium

Malta U-21 have a tough task on their hands today when they face Belgium in a European Championship Group 8 qualifier in Lokeren (kick-off: 16.00).

Edwin Camilleri's team are still without points after five successive defeats in the group. The chances of opening their account against the Belgians are slim as the hosts will be keen to maintain their charge for a spot in the qualifying play-offs.

The Belgians are currently third in the group with eight points from five matches and victory today would lift them top, level with Ukraine and France, who, however, will both have a game in hand.

Camilleri is hampered by the absence of several regular players, including Joseph Zerafa, Owen Bugeja, Mark Scerri, Warren Chircop and Julian Galea, all currently sidelined by injury.

However, today the coach will urge his players to produce another combative display, like the one between Malta U-21 and Belgium U-21 at the National Stadium last year.

On that occasion, the Belgians prevailed 1-0, courtesy of a first-half goal from Ritchie Kitoko. However, the Maltese could have avoided defeat had they taken the chances they created after the interval.

The Maltese contingent in Belgium is headed by MFA vice-president Peter Fenech.

Current standings: Ukraine 11(3-2-0), France 11 (3-2-0); Belgium 8 (2-2-1); Slovenia 6 (2-0-4); Malta 0 (0-0-5).

Malta's matches: May 29 - home vs Ukraine; September 7 - away vs France.

The squad

Goalkeepers: H. Bonello (Vittoriosa), S. Sultana (Nadur).

Defenders: S. Bonnici (Melita), A. Borg (Mosta), S. Borg (Valletta), R. Chetcuti (Warrington, England), T. Farrugia (Msida), G. Gribbon (Melita).

Midfielders: M. Ciantar (Msida), J. Mintoff (Sliema), B. Muscat (Vittoriosa), R. Muscat (Birkirkara), D. Pisani (Qormi), Q. Refalo (Pietà).

Forwards: J. Scerri (Vittoriosa), L. Schembri (St Patrick), C. Spiteri (Pietà), T. Vella (Mosta).