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VALLETTA F.C. vs
K.S. Teuta 1-2
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Saturday 22nd June, 2002 - 18:00hrs Hibernians Ground - Corradino.
Scorers: Yellow Cards: Red Cards: Referee:
Match Report:
On a hot afternoon, Valletta FC marked their debut in the UEFA Intertoto Competition. Valletta should consider themselves unfortunate to end up on the losing end having dictated play for most of the match. It will surely be an uphill struggle for Valletta to make it to the next round, needing a 2-goal margin victory in the 2nd leg next Saturday, in Albania. The fine performance of Valletta's 'Il Principe' Gilbert Agius, was one which surely cannot be left unmentioned. His continuous runs combined with fine and neat dribbling gave the Albanian defenders a very hard task to mark. Dennis Fenech was making his official debut as Valletta coach, following his appointment earlier last month, taking over the job from Bulgarian Georgi Deanov, whose contract was not extended by the Valletta committee.
Prior to the match, Dennis Fenech was posed with several selection problems. Ivan Zammit and David Carabott were both missing, still nursing an injury, whilst defenders Jeffrey Chetcuti and Darren Debono, were not named in the 18-man squad. Fenech fielded a 5-3-2 formation, with Rennie Forace, Nicky Saliba and Daniel Theuma at the back, flanked by Jonathan Bondin and Edward Azzopardi on the right and left respectively. Kris Laferla, Kamil Dvorak and Karl Bonnici formed the midfield, with Gilbert Agius and Chris Oretan in attack. Valletta FC fell behind after just 10 minutes play. It
was GENTIAN BEGEJA who headed into the net following an Olgert Muka
cross from the left flank. It was surely a goal, which Valletta did
not expect at such an early observing stage of the match.
Gradually, Valletta maintained momentum again, and nearly equalised in the 18th minute, when a Gilbert Agius header went just over the bar following an Edward Azzopardi cross. On the half-hour, Chris Oretan broke free following a perfect Gilbert Agius pass, however his conclusion was rather weak and easily saved by goalkeeper Shehi. The last 15 minutes of the first half were practically dominated by Valletta, with Teuta defending well at the back. Chris Oretan had another good chance in the 40th minute, however his header was easily intercepted by the Albanian goalie. In added time (six minutes in all), Valletta managed to force a number of corner-kicks, which unfortunately yielded no success. Gilbert Agius had another powerful shot at goal, which finished just wide. The ball literally seemed not wanting to get into Teuta's net!
At the change of ends, Valletta continued with their attacking approach in search of an equaliser. Gilbert Agius nearly equalised on 57 minutes play, only to see his volley inside the area fisted away by Shahi. Just two minutes later, Shehi, following a good interchange between Oretan and Agius again denied Agius. Despite all, it had not to be Valletta's day, as Teuta Durres doubled the score 13 minutes from time against the run of play. It was SHPETIM IMERAJ who intercepted the ball outside the Valletta area and shot home above Barry. Eight minutes from time, Babamusta was given marching orders, having collected his second yellow card of the match.
Valletta managed to pull one-goal back nine minutes from the end. From a well taken GILBERT AGIUS swerving corner, Teuta's goalie Shahi mishandled, with the ball finishing in the net. In added time Valletta nearly equalised, when a Gilbert Agius shot seemed to be heading towards the low-right corner of the net, however the Albanian goalie with the help of the post, managed to push the ball out in extremis. Prior to the referee's final whistle, Kamil Dvorak was dismissed after receiving his second yellow card. Valletta will now be leaving Malta, next Friday, for the 2nd leg encounter in Tirana, Albania on Saturday. The Valletta contingent is then expected back to Malta on Monday 1st July.
- GILMOUR PEPLOW Photo Credits © Copyright 2002 Domenic Aquilina
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