Paris (AFP) – Little Gibraltar finally won their first competitive match after 22 defeats on Saturday when they beat Armenia — who featured Arsenal star Henrikh Mkhitaryan — 1-0 in the UEFA Nations League.
A penalty in the 50th minute by captain Roy Chipolina gave Gibraltar the three points in Yerevan.
It was just the tiny territory’s third win since they joined UEFA following friendly victories against Malta in 2014 and Latvia in March this year.
Saturday’s win came despite an organisational blunder at the start of the game when local authorities played the national anthem of Liechtenstein instead of Gibraltar.
“The Armenian FA has apologised to the Head of Delegation representing the Gibraltar FA in Yerevan for the oversight and an announcement has been made at the national stadium apologising for the error,” tweeted the Gibraltar FA.
Since Gibraltar joined UEFA in 2013, they have suffered a series of heavy defeats, losing to Poland 8-1 and 7-0 and 7-0 against Germany and the Republic of Ireland in Euro 2016 qualifying.
Their worst defeat was a 9-0 hammering at the hands of Belgium in World Cup qualifying in 2017.
200+ Channels With Sports & News
- Starting price: $33/mo. for fubo Latino Package
- Watch Premier League, Women’s World Cup, Euro 2024 & Gold Cup
The New Home of MLS
- Price: $14.99/mo. for MLS Season Pass
- Watch every MLS game including playoffs & Leagues Cup
Many Sports & ESPN Originals
- Price: $10.99/mo. (or get ESPN+, Hulu & Disney+ for $14.99/mo.)
- Features Bundesliga, LaLiga, Championship, & FA Cup
2,000+ soccer games per year
- Price: $5.99/mo
- Features Champions League, Serie A, Europa League & Brasileirāo
175 Premier League Games & PL TV
- Starting price: $5.99/mo. for Peacock Premium
- Watch 175 exclusive EPL games per season