Under-21 International Friendly
4 June 2026 – Municipality Stadium, Orhei, Moldova

Moldova 3
Malta 0
(Half-time: 2-0)

Scorers: Mihai Lupan 3′, Artiom Dijinari 40′, 86′

The Malta Under-21 National Team suffered a 3-0 defeat to Moldova in an international friendly played in Orhei on Thursday evening, with the hosts capitalising on an early breakthrough and adding further goals either side of half-time.

Moldova made the perfect start, taking the lead after just three minutes when a defence-splitting pass released Mihai Lupan, who calmly slotted past goalkeeper Karl Sargent to make it 1-0.

The hosts continued to press and came close to extending their advantage shortly afterwards, with Dan-Angelo Botan creating two opportunities in quick succession, but both efforts drifted narrowly wide of the target.

Malta’s first meaningful attack arrived in the 16th minute when Jake Vassallo played an intelligent pass through to Shaisen Attard, whose right-footed effort was comfortably gathered by goalkeeper Artur Nazarciuc.

Seven minutes later, Kaiden Fenech tested the Moldova defence with a powerful strike from distance that sailed just over the crossbar.

On 28 minutes, Moldova threatened again with a dangerous cross into the penalty area, but Sven Xerri produced an excellent diving header to clear the danger.

The hosts nearly doubled their lead five minutes before the interval when Lupan was found inside the box, only for Sargent to produce an outstanding save from close range, tipping the ball behind for a corner. However, from the resulting set-piece, Artiom Dijinari rose highest to head home and give Moldova a 2-0 advantage heading into the break.

Malta returned for the second half with greater possession and intent, looking to impose themselves on the game, but found it difficult to penetrate a well-organised Moldovan defence.

Goalkeeper Liam Frendo, introduced at half-time, made an immediate impact in the 74th minute with two excellent saves in quick succession. He first denied a close-range effort before producing an acrobatic stop from the resulting corner, tipping the ball onto the crossbar to keep the deficit at two goals.

Three minutes later, Malta built a promising move down the left flank before finding Andy Borg, whose long-range effort flew over the bar.

Moldova sealed the victory in the 86th minute when Dijinari grabbed his second goal of the evening, reacting quickest during a goalmouth scramble to finish from close range and make it 3-0.

Malta continued to search for a consolation goal in the closing stages but were unable to break through, as the hosts completed a deserved victory.

Despite the result, the friendly provided valuable international experience for a number of emerging players as the Under-21 squad continues its development.

Teams

Moldova:
Artur Nazarciuc; Ivan Graminschii (Vladislav Colis 46), Daniel Tonica, Artiom Dijinari (captain), Vladislav Costin (Cristian Pascaluta 61), Lucian Radu (Igor Sava 73), Vasile Luchita (Gheorghe Mosneagu 73), Mihai Lupan (Nichita Caragheorghe 61), Dan-Angelo Botan (Artur Sprinsean 46), David Sirbu (Nichita Lipcan 84), Nicolai Telic (Veceslav Cozma 84).
Coach: Serghei Cebotari.

Malta:
Karl Sargent (Liam Frendo 46); Jake Vassallo (captain), Sven Xerri (Nathan Cross 46), Andy Borg (Lucas Okeke 80), Shaisen Attard (Aston Ellard 80), Nicholas Agius (Kai Giyan Bartolo 46), Brooklyn Borg (Trezeguet Zammit 70), Nikita Shchepetkin (Shelom Magri 84), Kaiden Fenech (Bjorn Buhagiar 70), Benjamin Hili (Matteo Gambin 46), Alfie Bridgman (Sean Gatt 70).
Coach: Davide Mazzotta.

Referee: Ion Orlic.