At the Estadi de la FAF, Andorra briefly found the kind of evening its supporters had hoped for: an early lead, a compact home crowd and a Nations League contest seemingly within reach. Malta, however, had carried more of the ball from the outset and turned that territorial control into a late 2-1 victory in League D Group 1.
An early Andorra lift in the mountains
The hosts struck in the 17th minute through Guillaume López, whose finish completed a well-worked Andorran team move and brought a loud response from the fans in attendance.
It was an encouraging moment for Andorra, but Malta had already established itself as the side more comfortable in possession. The visitors continued to dictate much of the rhythm despite falling behind.
- Guillaume López put Andorra ahead after 17 minutes.
- The goal came at the end of a collective attacking move.
- Malta had enjoyed the greater share of possession even before conceding.
Cardona inspires Malta’s turnaround
Malta’s pressure finally produced an equaliser in the 36th minute. Irvin Cardona, the French-born former Espanyol player who represents Malta internationally, created the opening himself with an individual run inside the penalty area before scoring.
The second half developed into a more cautious contest, with Andorra appearing increasingly willing to protect the draw. Malta found a decisive opening in the 81st minute instead.
Cardona was again central to the move, setting up Teuma for the goal that completed the visitors’ comeback and secured all three points.
- 17th minute: López gave Andorra the lead.
- 36th minute: Cardona levelled for Malta after a solo action in the box.
- 81st minute: Teuma converted Cardona’s assist to make it 2-1.
Three points leave Andorra empty-handed
Andorra’s promising start ultimately brought no reward as Malta departed with the win from their League D Group 1 meeting. For the home side, López’s opener offered a glimpse of what might have been; for Malta, Cardona’s goal and assist made him the defining figure of the night.
