Football: Azerbaijan draw with Malta

Trailing by one goal at the end of a first half in which their performance had left a lot to be desired, Malta played much better in the second half with Michael Mifsud and Alfred Effiong hitting fine goals only for Azerbaijan to draw level 10 minutes from time.

While expectations of a home win were high before the game, moreso after their spirited performance in the 1-0 defeat to Italy last Thursday, Malta can be satisfied with the draw as the game was anything but easy.

Indeed, Azerbaijan, on a high after gaining five points from their last three qualifiers, showed that they were no pushovers and, for much of the first half, Robert Prosinecki's team were the better team.

But the second half was a lot better for Malta, mainly thanks to the direct movement of Alfred Effiong who was much more effective playing alongside rather than behind Mifsud who also took his goal well.

In midfield, Andrè Schembri turned in a fine performance, especially after the break, while goalkeeper Andrew Hogg effected two crucial saves in the second half.

Malta coach Pietro Ghedin awarded a recall to Mifsud as he switched to a 4-2-3-1 formation with Effiong on the right and Schembri behind the striker.

The tactical changes ought to have boosted Malta's attacking acumen but this was not forthcoming as Azerbaijan were superior in the first half.

Early on, Javid Taghiyev cut into the box from the right but his cross-shot took a deflection before the Malta defenders cleared.

Creative football was at a premium in the first 12 minutes.

Home optimism rose when Schembri advanced through the middle before playing in Effiong but the Balzan striker was anticipated by a defender.

Failla fired high from the distance as Malta tried to gain ground.

There was a good chance for the hosts on 27 minutes when Briffa's mishit first-timer landed in the path of Alex Muscat who dragged in a dangerous cross from the right. Mifsud was first to the ball but his first touch was heavy.

The game remained largely a mediocre affair with Malta struggling to impose themselves. 

Their task became more complicated when Azerbaijan struck on the counter nine minutes from half-time.

After repelling Schembri's attempt to create space as he latched on to Mifsud's cross, the Azeris quickly switched the ball forward. For a moment, it looked as though Malta had subdued the danger but their failure to clear proved costly as the loose ball fell to Rahid Amirguliyev whose drive from outside the box soared past Hogg after taking a deflection off Borg.

Malta's tame first-half performance will not have pleased Ghedin who stuck with the same 11 players who started but pushed Effiong alongside Mifsud.

Sensing the hosts' difficulties to get going, the home fans raised the volume and the players responded immediately.

The second half was only 10 minutes old when Schembri embarked on a surging run through the middle before releasing Effiong. Azerbaijan defender Badavi Huseynov cut across to block Effiong's run but the latter's persistence paid off as he was first to the hasty clearance before picking out Mifsud whose rasping drive from outside the box gave Kamran Agayev no chance.

Mifsud celebrated by making the no.40 sign with his fingers, in reference to his record-extending goals tally for the national team, before being mobbed by his team-mates.