Andorra Women Squander Lead in 3-1 Loss to Azerbaijan in World Cup Qualifier

Andorra's women's national football team lost 3-1 to Azerbaijan at Estadi Nacional in their World Cup qualifying Group K match on Thursday, squandering an early lead to remain bottom of the group with one point from three games.

Captain Tere Morató gave Andorra the lead in the 10th or 11th minute. Her free kick from range drew a save from Azerbaijan keeper Aitaj Sharifova, leading to a corner from Èlia Quílez that Morató headed in at the far post. The advantage evaporated quickly, with Sevinj Jafarzade equalizing two or three minutes later via a fierce long-range shot that struck the crossbar before beating Alba Martín.

Azerbaijan dominated possession thereafter, though Martín handled their efforts comfortably. The visitors picked up first-half yellow cards through Nigar Mirzaliyeva and Dianna Mammadova, with the score 1-1 at the break.

The second half erupted immediately. Azerbaijan nearly scored within a minute, then won a penalty at the 49th or 50th minute when Laia Solé fouled Esra Manya; Jafarzade slotted it away confidently for 2-1. Coach Albert Panadero introduced Olga Sabio, Emma Duró, Cristina Lacour, María Moles, and debutant Noa Tesorero, but Andorra mustered only four shots—all on target—by the 80th minute against Azerbaijan's 14 attempts (five on target). Manya sealed the points in the 95th minute, finishing a long ball past Martín.

Ukraine referee Kristina Kozoroh showed further yellows to Azerbaijan's Nahmadova and coach Siyasat Asgarov. Attendance stood at 353.

Post-match, Panadero praised his side's first-half display but highlighted Azerbaijan's edge in experience and key moments. "They have players with a lot of talent and experience, which showed in the goal situations," he said. The psychological blows of the equalizer and penalty proved costly.

This followed Andorra's 0-0 home draw with Hungary and 3-0 away defeat to North Macedonia. Azerbaijan, second on four points, had beaten North Macedonia 2-0—both goals by Jafarzade—and lost 1-0 at Hungary.

Ahead of the free-admission 7pm kickoff, Panadero had likened the physical, direct Azerbaijan—strong at the back and unpredictable—to Montenegro, stressing collective play amid up to 11 absences, including Carla Ber's serious knee injury at Europa FC, Chloé Izquierdo's personal matters, and ankle problems for Laia Sin and Zoe Planagumà. Morató had noted home strength at Estadi Nacional and optimism for the June 5 home match against North Macedonia, possibly at FAF's new Encamp stadium.

The return leg is Saturday at 3pm Andorran time in Baku.