Ten‐man Malta played a gallant match yesterday against Andorra earning a deserved draw in the last game of the Nations League.

Malta finished the group in second place, behind Moldova, and missing out on a promotion from League D to League C.

The Maltese team had a strong start, coming out with a lot of aggression and engaging Andorra keeper Alvarez through Joseph Mbong in the first minute. However, the unexpected incident occurred in the eighteenth minute when Gabriel Mentz elbowed Rosas and was sent off.

Pepe had to be brought in by Mazzotta, and Jurgen Degabriele had to be sacrificed. Andorra had a chance in the 28th minute when Rosas' bomb shot struck the crossbar.

The same Rosas exploited defensive lapses six minutes later, but Bonello was cautious and sailed the ball for a corner.

As Malta's issues persisted, Mazzotta was forced to make yet another substitution in the 33rd minute when Beerman took Camenzuli's place due to an injury. Two minutes later, Teuma marked Joseph Mbong, who was stopped by an incredible save by Alvarez, in a superb move by the Maltese.

In the last seconds of the half Bonello made another good save on a Cervos shot.

In the second half Malta had a very promising start but gradually faded out with Henry Bonello making a couple of decisive saves.

Photo: Domenic Aquilina