by Andorra and Malta could not be separated at the Estadi Encamp, finishing in a goalless stalemate. Oceane Grange and Maria Ruzafa came closest for each side, with the two denied by the woodwork in a heated affair that saw Andorra claim their first-ever points against Malta.
Team Selections
Andorra’ Albert Panadero continued to trust the first eleven that played the encounter against Georgia on Friday. Alba Martin retained place in goal behind a defensive quartet consisting of Paula Marques, Maria Da Cruz, Laia Sole and Neus Rosas. Ariana Correia and Laia Sin started on the flanks, with captain Tere Morato and Erica Goncalves holding the midfield. Carla Ber and Maria Ruzafa led the attack.
Meanwhile, Malta’s Manuela Tesse retained faith in Janice Xuereb in goal, but shuffled the pack in defence. Rebecca Bajada and Fiona Buttigieg started as full-backs, with Stephania Farrugia making her return from ACL injury, starting in the centre-back partnership with Oceane Grange. Jana Barbara made her first start in midfield alongside Nicole Sciberras and Rachel Cuschieri, who captained the side. Lexine Farrugia started in attack instead of the suspended Haley Bugeja, with Kailey Willis and Maria Farrugia retaining their place.
How It Unfolded
The match began with the two sides sizing each other up as from the off. Malta pushed its full-backs up to overload numbers against the organised Andorran side who were determined to show a good performance in front of the home crowd in support.
Kailey Willis managed to create some tension in the box as she charged in on a loose ball but Alba Martin got enough on the ball with the defence clearing the lines before Lexine Farrugia could join in for a finish.
There was some concern as the 10th minute expired with Kailey Willis hitting the deck with a shout as the Andorrans continued to make their presence known with an aggressive stance. The visitors were growing frustrated with officiation calls, but Andorra pushed on with the gameplan earning a set-piece opportunity. Erica Goncalves whipped in the ball with Tere Morato winning the header but finishing wide of the mark.
Manuela Tesse swapped the attack in search of giving Andorra something different to think about but the visitors continued to struggle. Rebecca Bajada whipped in a cross which Kailey Willis could not rise high enough to meet, while at the other end Janice Xuereb gobbled up a cross from midfield.
The match took more life as the half-hour expired with Maria Ruzafa injecting excitement with a blistering run up the right wing before playing the cut-back into Ariana Correia. However, her finish flashed across the face of goal with Malta just able to clear the lines.
Malta responded with an opportunity of their own with Maria Farrugia winning a corner following a short free-kick. The opportunity landed into the feet of Oceane Grange who struck the crossbar with the finish from distance.
Jana Barbara landed herself in the book as the Maltese midfielder returned the aggressive stance in search of getting the team more ground. However, Andorra continued to be the more troubling in attack. Another free-kick delivery from Erica Goncalves found Tere Morato. However, Janice Xuereb gobbled up the loose ball before the Andorran could get it under control.
At the other end, Malta struggled to get the creative juices flowing. Nicole Sciberras attempted a strike from distance which Alba Martin was equal to, before Maria Farrugia’s attempt to release Lexine Farrugia was also swept by the goalkeeper. Rachel Cuschieri injected another look into the attack with a surge up the left wing, but Lexine Farrugia could not make up the ground quick enough to get the touch at the near post.
Manuela Tesse made two changes at the break, with Shona Zammit replacing Nicole Sciberras in midfield, while Maya Cachia replaced Janice Xuereb in goal.
The match kicked off with the same spirit as Kailey Willis was booked for a forward’s tackle on Laia Sin, with the Maltese getting the jeers from the crowd, while Manuela Tesse was deep in discussion with the fourth official.
Willis won the free-kick shortly after, earning Malta a good chance to fire directly at goal from the edge of the box. However, Lexine Farrugia’s strike ended an easy catch for Alba Martin.
The two captains, Rachel Cuschieri and Tere Morato, were both in deep discussion trying to get their sides to maintain focus on the match, with the home side managing to execute their gameplan to better success.
Tere Morato was pivotal in creating the best opportunity for Andorra, winning the ball in the defensive third, before surging forward. She linked up with Maria Ruzafa who opened space for the shot. However, was denied by the far left post, before Rebecca Bajada won the tackle against Ariana Correia to get Malta going forward.
Both coaches looked to their benches in search of changing things with Albert Panadero deploying Gemma Lluch, Emma Duro Cristina Lacour and Zoe Planaguma for Andorra, while Charlene Zammit and Yulya Carella took to the pitch for Malta.
Maya Cachia did well enough against an effort from distance, before the Andorran side piled pressure with successive corners. However, Stephania Farrugia blocked Cristina Lacour’s effort, while Charlene Zammit and Oceane Grange did well to clear the lines from the aerial deliveries.
Malta’s counter-attacks continued to fizzle with Alba Martin doing enough to thwart Yulya Carella’s run behind. Malta also attempted to create something from free-kick opportunities, but could not trouble the Andorran defence. Long lobs launched from the back continued to be easy pickings for the hosts.
Final substitutions were made with Manuela Tesse deploying another forward in bringing on Leah Ayres, while Marina Muelas made a late appearance for Andorra.
The home crowd was on the edge of their seats as Gemma Lluch sped forward on the counter, but Charlene Zammit covered to tighten the angle with the effort finding the side netting, before Stephania Farrugia recovered well against another of the substitute’s run.
Malta had a final opportunity from a free-kick late on, Andorra did not sweat too much against the delivery before Alba Martin clutched the second ball in from Rebecca Bajada to the sound of the full-time whistle confirming Andorra’s first point gained against Malta in its history.
Final Score: Andorra 0 – 0 Malta
Standings
The tournament finishes with Malta on thirteen points at the top of the group, while Andorra finish in fourth place on five points. Cyprus claimed second place with 10 points, following a 2 – 1 victory over Georgia (6 points).
The matchday concludes the UEFA Women’s Nations League, league stage. Malta is confirmed to be promoted to League B as the group winners. The draws for the play-offs for promotion and relegation, as well as the UEFA Women’s Nations League finals will be held on June 6th.
Malta will await the draws for the European Qualifiers of the FIFA Women’s World Cup which will be held in November. First competitive matches will be played in February 2026.
Lead Image: Andorra FA
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