Teddy Teuma’s second-half strike earned Malta a hard-fought 1–0 victory over Andorra at the National Stadium, Ta’ Qali, on Sunday, lifting Emilio De Leo’s side to the top of their UEFA Nations League group.

Teuma settled the contest in the 49th minute with a precise finish following a flowing move involving Alex Satariano and Ilyas Chouaref. Andorra twice struck the woodwork, but Malta held firm to extend their unbeaten run in competitive internationals to five matches, comprising four wins and a draw.

De Leo made one change to the side that drew with Gibraltar on Thursday, with Brandon Paiber replacing captain Matthew Guillaumier, who withdrew through a groin injury. Jake Grech was also unavailable.

Henry Bonello took the captain’s armband on his 78th international appearance, while Satariano reached the milestone of 50 appearances for Malta.

The hosts threatened as early as the second minute when Joseph Mbong collected a pass from Chouaref and shot on the turn, forcing goalkeeper Iker Alvarez into a save.

Andorra responded in the 15th minute, with Bonello producing a fine stop to keep out Pau Babot’s header from a corner. Seven minutes later, Malta escaped when Albert Rosas headed against the woodwork after Satariano failed to clear inside the penalty area.

The visitors had another opening when Paiber lost possession during Malta’s build-up, but Guillaume Lopez fired wide.

Malta’s best opportunity before the interval came in the 32nd minute. Joseph Mbong picked out Teuma inside the box, only for Alvarez to rush off his line and block the midfielder’s effort. At the other end, Ot Remolins sent a long-range attempt wide as an evenly contested first half ended goalless.

Malta broke the deadlock four minutes after the restart. Satariano advanced down the left and found Teuma, who exchanged passes with Chouaref before placing a diagonal finish beyond Alvarez.

Andorra came close to an equaliser on the hour when Bonello got a touch to Rosas’ low shot, diverting it onto the post before gathering the rebound. Four minutes later, Alvarez saved an effort from Juan Corbalan.

The visitors began to enjoy more possession and pushed Malta deeper for spells, although the home defence restricted their opportunities.

Irvin Cardona threatened in the 67th minute, initially getting ahead of Ian Olivera before the defender recovered to concede a corner. Substitute Paul Mbong then sent a low effort wide with 15 minutes remaining.

In the 80th minute, Paul Mbong capitalised on an Andorra mistake and set up Chouaref, whose powerful strike was beaten away by Alvarez.

Andorra mounted a late push, but Malta protected their narrow advantage to secure three valuable points in front of 5,894 spectators.

Malta now lead League D, Group 1 with seven points from three matches. Gibraltar have two points from two games, while Andorra have one from three and can no longer finish top.

Gibraltar host Andorra on 13 November before welcoming Malta three days later for a match that could decide the group.

UEFA Nations League 2026/27 – League D, Group 1
Malta 1–0 Andorra (HT: 0–0)
Date: 4 October 2026
Venue: National Stadium, Ta’ Qali
Scorer: Teddy Teuma 49

Malta: Henry Bonello, Ryan Camenzuli, Enrico Pepe (Gabriel Mentz 46), Kurt Shaw, Juan Corbalan (Zach Muscat 72), Brandon Paiber, Alex Satariano, Teddy Teuma (Paul Mbong 56), Ilyas Chouaref (Andrea Zammit 84), Joseph Mbong (Carlo Zammit-Lonardelli 72), Irvin Cardona.
Coach: Emilio De Leo.

Andorra: Iker Alvarez, Biel Borra, Pau Babot, Ian Olivera, Max Llovera, Moises San Nicolas (Christian Garcia 84), Ot Remolins, Aron Rodrigo, Alexandre Martine (Jordi Alaez 70), Guillaume Lopez, Albert Rosas.
Coach: Koldo Alvarez.

Referee: Mikkel Redder (Denmark).
Yellow cards: Enrico Pepe, Alex Satariano (Malta); Ot Remolins, Aron Rodrigo, Christian Garcia (Andorra).
Attendance: 5,894.