Andorra Squanders Lead in 1-2 Loss to Malta at Nations League Opener

Andorra's national football team lost 1-2 to Malta in their UEFA Nations League opener at Estadi FAF in Encamp, squandering an early lead in a match attended by 905 spectators.

Guillaume López opened the scoring in the 17th minute, capitalising on a rebound after Aron Rodrigo's shot forced a save from Malta goalkeeper Henry Bonello. Andorra had dominated the opening stages, with Rodrigo and Gerard Solà creating early threats, while Iker Álvarez comfortably fielded an initial long-range effort from Teddy Teuma.

Malta levelled in the 36th minute through Irvin Cardona. The forward controlled a precise pass from Teuma, evaded Ian Olivera with a deft touch, and struck a powerful shot past Álvarez after the ball bounced. Malta nearly took the lead before the break, but Matthew Guillaumier skewed a clear chance wide after a fluid team move.

The second half saw substitutions from coach Koldo Álvarez de Eulate, including Berto Rosas and Jordi Aláez in the 67th minute. Rosas threatened immediately, firing a 20-metre shot that clipped the post and later attempting a dribble in the box. Álvarez produced fine stops, first clutching a weak Cardona effort, then denying Keyon Ewurum one-on-one following a Teuma lay-off. Aláez tested Bonello from the penalty spot, but the keeper held firm.

Malta struck decisively in the 81st minute when Cardona's low cross from the byline allowed Teuma to tap in the winner. Moments later, in the 85th, Álex Martínez fouled Ilyas Chouaref to concede a penalty, but the forward skied his effort high. Eric Vales' late bicycle kick attempt came to nothing as Andorra pressed without reward.

Referee Joey Kooij issued yellow cards to Andorra's Ian Olivera (4'), Moisés San Nicolás (14'), Gerard Solà (54'), Eric de las Heras (63') and Berto Rosas (90'), and to Malta's Alexander Satariano (34') and Kurt Shaw (90+2').

The match marked Moi San Nicolás' 102nd cap, following his 100th in June. Andorra face Gibraltar away on Sunday in Group D1 League D, seeking their first points. Malta hold three wins from seven prior encounters.