Malta Edges Andorra 1-0 in Nations League, Leaves Them Bottom of Group

Andorra's national football team lost 1-0 to Malta in their Nations League Group 1 League D encounter at the National Stadium in Ta’Qali, remaining bottom of the group with one point from three matches.

The defeat is Andorra's second against Malta this season, after a 2-1 loss in the earlier meeting at Nou Estadi de la FAF. Koldo Álvarez de Eulate's players matched their opponents throughout, creating the better opportunities but failing to score. They started strongly in response to an early warning from Malta, as J. Mbong's volley forced a confident save from Iker Álvarez.

Guillaume Lopez came closest to breaking the deadlock, striking the post with a header from a mishit effort by Álex Martínez in the first half and again shortly after the restart when a defender's deflection fell kindly. Malta capitalised on Andorra's sole defensive lapse in the 48th minute, as Chouaref linked with Teddy Teuma, who slotted precisely beyond Iker Álvarez at the far post.

Undeterred, Andorra pressed for a leveller. Babot capitalised on a Maltese error to set up Guillaume, only for Henry Bonello and the upright to thwart the chance. Berto Rosas and Babot also posed threats, the latter's header requiring a stop from Bonello. Koldo sent on Jordi Aláez after 70 minutes, while Andorra sought a penalty after Bonello's elbow caught Lopez on a goal kick.

Malta, leading the group, held firm. Iker Álvarez denied Corbalán on a break, and Olivera blocked Cardona in a one-on-one. Andorra close the campaign at home to Gibraltar at Nou Estadi de la FAF in November.

Malta (1): Bonello; Corbalán (Lonardelli 72'), Shaw, Pepe (Mentz 46'), Camenzuli; Paiber, Satariano, J. Mbong (Muscat 76'), Teuma (P. Mbong 56'), Chouaref (Zammit 84'), Cardona. Coach: Emilio De Leo.

Andorra (0): Iker Álvarez; Borra, Llovera, Olivera, Moi San Nicolás (Ch. García 84'); Álex Martínez (Aláez 70'), Remolins, Babot, Rodrigo; Berto Rosas, Guillaume Lopez. Coach: Koldo Álvarez de Eulate.

Goal: Teuma (48').

Referee: Mikkel Reder (Denmark). Yellow cards: Pepe (7'), Satariano (86') for Malta; Remolins (69'), San Nicolás (78'), Rodrigo, Ch. García (89') for Andorra.