San Marino achieved a momentous milestone by securing their first competitive win in two decades, defeating Liechtenstein 1-0 in the Nations League.
FIFA’s lowest-ranked team, San Marino, celebrated a historic achievement on Thursday night, winning their first competitive match in 20 years. The victory came against Liechtenstein, marking only the second win in the nation’s football history.
The breakthrough moment arrived in the 53rd minute when 19-year-old Nicko Sensoli, who plays in Italy’s fourth tier, lobbed Liechtenstein’s goalkeeper Benjamin Buchel to score the decisive goal. Sensoli’s strike was especially poignant as he was not even born when San Marino last won a match, also against Liechtenstein, in a friendly back in 2004.
San Marino’s triumph ends a 140-game winless streak, the longest in international football history. The team, composed mainly of amateur players, has endured numerous heavy defeats, including a 10-0 loss to England in a World Cup qualifier in 2021. However, recent performances have shown improvement, with close games against Denmark and Saint Kitts and Nevis earlier this year.
This victory propels San Marino to the top of Group D1 in the Nations League. Next, they will face Moldova, a team ranked 152nd in the world, as they aim to build on this historic success.
Be First to Comment