Malta returned to winning ways in the UEFA Nations League with a hard-fought 1-0 victory over Andorra at the National Stadium, moving closer to securing top spot in Group D1.

A goal from Teddy Teuma early in the second half proved decisive as Emilio De Leo's side claimed three important points, despite being made to work hard by an Andorran team that struck the woodwork twice.

The victory lifts Malta to seven points, five ahead of Gibraltar, who have played one fewer game. The group winners will be decided next month, when Gibraltar travel to Andorra on November 13 before hosting Malta three days later.

Malta need just one point from their final match to guarantee top spot, while Gibraltar must win both of their remaining games.

De Leo was without influential midfielder Matthew Guillaumier, who failed to recover from a muscle injury, while fellow Ħamrun Spartans midfielder Jake Grech was also ruled out. Brandon Paiber replaced Guillaumier.

Malta started brightly, with Ilyas Chouaref setting up Joseph Mbong inside the opening two minutes, but Andorra goalkeeper Iker Alvarez saved the winger's effort.

The visitors gradually grew into the match and came close to taking the lead on 15 minutes when Pau Babot's angled header was brilliantly saved by Henry Bonello.

Seven minutes later, Guillaume Lopez headed against the upright after being picked out by Alexandro Martinez, with Malta fortunate to escape.

Malta threatened through Alex Satariano, who fired over after being set up by Chouaref, before Alvarez produced an excellent save to deny Teuma following Mbong's pass. Andorra also had a chance before the break, but Ot Remolins fired wide.

Malta made a defensive change at half-time, with Gabriel Mentz replacing Pepe, and took the lead three minutes after the restart.

Satariano found Teuma, who exchanged passes with Chouaref before drilling a low shot past Alvarez to give the hosts the advantage.

Malta survived another scare on the hour when Lopez's powerful effort, following a clearance intercepted by the Andorran forward, took a deflection off Shaw and struck the post.

The hosts responded with a chance of their own as Juan Corbalan forced Alvarez into a double save, while Chouaref later went close to doubling Malta's lead but shot straight at the goalkeeper.

Andorra pushed forward in the closing stages, but Malta defended resolutely and Bonello ensured the visitors could not find an equaliser, leaving the national team within touching distance of group victory.