Albania draw gets Malta off the mark

Malta registered their first point in FIFA World Cup qualifying Group 1 after drawing 0-0 against Albania on Wednesday.

Albania rise
Although there was little to choose between the teams at Ta' Qali, the best chances fell Malta's way with Michael Mifsud twice going close to breaking the deadlock in the second half, either side of a Terence Scerri effort which fizzed over the bar. The point moves Albania up to third place in the group, leapfrogging Portugal who they meet on 6 June. Malta are next in qualifying action on 28 March when they will be searching for their first goal in the section in a home fixture against Denmark.

Late chances
Albania, meanwhile, were left to rue a missed opportunity as victory would have taken them top of the section: they had their chances. AC Chievo Verona striker Erjon Bogdani was a waspish presence throughout, but the visitors' best opening fell to Klodian Duro in the dying moments of the game. Justin Haber denied him, and there was still time for Andre Schembri to go close at the other end though he could not find a way past Albania goalkeeper Isli Hidi.