MALTA J. Xuereb; M. Lucia, O. Grange, E. Lipman (46 C. Zammit), F. Buttigieg (60 E. Xuereb), S. Zammit, R. Cuschieri, L. Farrugia, M. Farrugia, A. Cassar (46 J. Flask), H. Bugeja (81 N. Sciberras).
ANDORRA A. Martin; Z. Planaguma (71 C. Ber), A. Colobrans, T. Armengol, M. Ruzafa (62 A. Pernia), E. Goncalves, L. Palau, P. Marques (62 A. Correia), C. Izquierdo, N. Rosas, L. Sin.
An early goal from Shona Zammit proved decisive as Malta bounced back to winning ways, securing a hard-fought 1-0 victory over Andorra in the UEFA Women’s Nations League.
This crucial win lifts Malta to three points, trailing Cyprus, who maintained their perfect record with a 2-1 triumph over Georgia.
For their 90th competitive match, Malta faced a must-win situation against 183rd-ranked Andorra. While the victory was achieved, coach Manuela Tesse will be looking for a more convincing performance in the upcoming fixtures.
For this pivotal encounter, Tesse made significant adjustments following Malta’s previous defeat to Cyprus. She introduced fresh faces, including Oceane Grange and Fiona Buttigieg, both making their starting debuts.
Shona Zammit’s winning goal for Malta. Video: TVM Sport+
Grange, who features in France’s third-tier league, stepped in as a central defender, replacing Charlene Zammit, while Luton Town’s Buttigieg took over the left-back position from Emma Xuereb.
Emma Lipman retained her spot in central defense alongside Maya Lucia, who marked her 10th appearance as the right-back.
The tactical reshuffle saw Roma’s Lexine Farrugia and Birkirkara’s Alishia Cassar starting as wingers, with Kailey Willis moved to the bench as Tesse shifted the formation from a 4-3-3 to a 4-2-3-1 setup.
Led by Genoa’s Rachel Cuschieri, Malta’s midfield was anchored by Shona Zammit from Swieqi United, setting the tempo and providing defensive solidity.
From the outset, Malta demonstrated their intent, with Maria Farrugia’s early strike thwarted by Andorra’s goalkeeper.
Conversely, Andorra aimed to capitalize on central density, countering swiftly.
Malta broke the deadlock in the 11th minute through Shona Zammit’s close-range effort, her first goal since 2021 and crucial for setting the tone.
Despite Andorra’s efforts, including a long-range attempt by Maria Ruzafa, Malta nearly doubled their lead with a powerful strike from Bugeja.
Moments later, Bugeja hit the woodwork after a dazzling run by Farrugia down the left flank.
Andorra responded through Laia Sin’s first-time effort from a corner, testing Malta’s defensive resolve.
Despite dominating possession, Malta struggled to convert their pressure into goals, prompting Tesse to make tactical adjustments.
Charlene Zammit replaced Lipman, while Jade Flask substituted Cassar, shifting Bugeja to the right wing.
Farrugia came close with a curling effort which was pushed away by Andorra goalkeeper Alba Martin.
Despite these changes, Malta faced persistent challenges from an aggressive Andorra side, who attempted long strikes through Chloe Izquierdo.
Though Tesse’s tweaks aimed to secure victory, Malta found themselves battling to maintain control against a determined opponent.
Malta now turns its attention to April’s double-header against Georgia, where they will aim to build on this win.
However, they will be without defender Charlene Zammit for at least the first match due to suspension, having picked up her second yellow card of the campaign.
