Youngster Matteo Desira Buttigieg’s solitary goal, early in the second half, paved the way for Malta’s first victory against Gibraltar in the 4th International Tournament held at the Corradino Pavillion.

This win helped Mark Marlow’s boys to finish second in the standings ahead of the same Gibraltar and behind tournament winners Serbia.

It was a spirited performance from the Maltese futsal players who despite suffering their opponents’ continuous attacks in the first half, kept their composure and with the help of the inspirational goalkeeper Nicholas Farrugia, on his debut with the national team, managed to keep their goalpost intact before the break.

In the second half, Malta played better and began to test Gibraltar’s reserve goalkeeper Christian Wink.

The numerous supporters present at the Corradino Pavillion had good reason to celebrate on 24 minutes when Matteo Desira Buttigieg received a good pass from Malta’s captain Nicola del Re to slot home the ball which proved to be the winning goal.

After the goal, Gibraltar kept piling more pressure on Malta’s rearguard especially when they used the flying keeper to strengthen their offensive department.

But some brilliant saves by Nicholas Farrugia saved the day for Malta to score a precious victory that will go a long way in boosting the team’s spirits ahead of the European Qualifiers tournament in two months time.