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Kums comes good for Belgium

Belgium 1-0 Malta
Belgium joined Group 8 leaders France and Ukraine on 11 points after a Sven Kums penalty gave them an edgy win against the bottom side in the section.

Sven Kums' penalty saw Belgium overcome Malta
Sven Kums' penalty saw Belgium overcome Malta ©Getty Images

Belgium moved level on points with the top two in UEFA European Under-21 Championship qualifying Group 8 following a 1-0 win against Malta, with Sven Kums' penalty proving to be a major relief for the home side.

Yassine El Ghanassy passed up a good chance for the hosts after 12 minutes, and Belgium had further reason for disappointment when Radja Nainggolan rattled the crossbar with a powerful shot two minites before the interval. Malta goalkeeper Henry Bonello fended off Bia Mujangi's free-kick after half-time but could not deny Kums from the spot after Steve Borg had upended Jeremy Huyghebaert. Bottom of the section, Malta did not give up, and had the ball in the net in added time, only for Richard Chetcuti's effort to be ruled offside.