Malta collected the first three points in Group C2 of the UEFA Nations League after defeating Andorra 1-0 at the Centenary Stadium on Tuesday.
The team led by Manuela Tesse was eager to bounce back following the defeat to Cyprus on Friday. However, despite an early goal, Malta failed to extend the lead, having to settle for a narrow win.
Tesse opted for four changes as Alishia Cassar and Lexine Farrugia were named in the starting line-up along with Oceane Grange and Fiona Buttigieg.
Photos courtesy of Andre Farrugia for Malta FA
Shona Zammit put Malta ahead after just 11 minutes, beating goalkeeper Alba Martin from close range.
A few minutes later, Haley Bugeja hit the woodwork but especially during the second half, the locals had to be careful to keep their opponents at bay.
Malta will now face Georgia in Tbilisi on April 4 and four days later, hosts the same team at the Centenary Stadium. Georgia defeated Andorra 2-1 at home in the first game, losing 2-1 to Cyprus in Larnaca on Tuesday.
MALTA Janice Xuereb, Emma Lipman (46′ Charlene Zammit), Oceane Grange, Lexine Farrugia, Rachel Cuschieri, Alishia Cassar (46′ Jade Flask), Maria Farrugia, Maya Lucia, Shona Zammit, Fiona Buttigieg (59′ Emma Xuereb), Haley Bugeja.
ANDORRA Alba Martin, Zoe Planaguma (71′ Carla Ber), Aitana Colobrans, Teresa Armengol, Maria Ruzafa (62′ Ariadna Pernia), Erica Gonçalves, Laia Sole Palau, Paula Marques (62′ Ariana Correia), Chloe Izquierdo, Neus Rosas, Laia Sin.
Referee: Teresa Oliveira POR
Assistant referees: Sandrine Gonçalves Santos POR, Vikki Allan SCO
Fourth Official: Lauren Whitehead SCO
