AZERBAIJAN-2, MALTA-0
Malta fell behind early in this clash of Group H minnows with Azerbaijan, battled bravely in the second half in search of an equaliser but a stoppage-time goal from substitute Dmitri Nazarov shattered their hopes of gaining something from this qualifier at the Tofig Bahramov Stadium.
Azerbaijan, chasing their first points after four consecutive defeats, had been the better side in the opening half as Malta struggled to find their feet but a tactical change from coach Pietro Ghedin bolstered the white-shirted players.
Their improved efforts saw them create some good chances, especially in the latter stages of the game, but their tame first-half display had left them with an uphill task against the determined but unimpressive Azeris.
Ghedin handed Alfred Effiong his first start for Malta after the Nigeria-born striker produced a lively display as a second-half substitute in the Georgia friendly.
Effiong partnered Andrè Schembri up front while Roderick Briffa, who captained the team in the absence of Michael Mifsud, suspended, Paul Fenech and goalkeeper Andrew Hogg were back in the starting formation after missing Wednesday's friendly.
Azerbaijan surged forward from the start, taking the lead after just five minutes. Namik Alaskarov ran towards the byline down the right before sending in a menacing cross that was headed in by Qarabag team-mate Cavid Huseynov.
Malta looked shocked but they had a great chance to equalise when Schembri's through-ball landed at the feet of Effiong who had nipped clear of the defenders but the Qormi striker's curling drive was beaten away by Kamran Agayev, the Azerbaijan goalkeeper.
After that initial setback, Malta began to see more of the ball but the hosts remained in control.
Midway into the first half, Afran Ismayilov burst clear on the left before picking out Vuqar Nadirov who turned but the Qarabag forward sent his shot over the bar.
Hogg then blocked a low shot from Huseynov.
Another Azeri attack on the left unlocked the Maltese defence as Huseynov, cutting in from the wing, released Nadirov inside the box but the latter's weak effort was hooked away by Ryan Camilleri.
The Malta defender made way for Zach Muscat nine minutes from half-time after picking up a knock.
Just before half-time, Azerbaijan threatened again when Ismayilov's corner sailed dangerously into the box but Gurbanov headed over.
Ghedin switched to 4-4-1-1 at half-time and brought on Steve Pisani for Bezzina.
Eleven minutes into the second half, Maksim Medvedev advanced through the middle but his shot was too central to unsettle Hogg.
A free-kick by Agius, after Schembri had been brought down by Rashid Sadygov, was blocked by the Azerbaijan wall. The loose ball was picked up by Zach Muscat whose cross from the left soared towards Effiong but the latter skewed his attempt at the far post.
Effiong, one of the most effective players for Malta, gunned for goal after winning possession outside the box but his effort was high.
A mistake by the Maltese defence almost handed Azerbaijan a goal as the ball was intercepted by Nadirov but his grounder was turned away by Hogg.
Ghedin's tactical change had the desired effect as Malta now looked more eager to push forward.
Schembri had a low effort saved by Agayev after the Omonia striker was released by Briffa.
The Malta captain then guided a through-ball to Effiong who tried to go past Badavi GHuseynov but the Azerbaijan defender held firm.
Paul Fenech's header was then saved by Agayev. Malta plucked up courage.
With seven minutes left, Caruana's diagonal pass was deflected into the path of Pisani who turned but his low show lacked power.
The Azeris were let off the hook when Ryan Fenech's corner, from the right, sailed past a clutch of players as Azerbaijan thought that the ball was going wide only to come off the near post.
Azerbaijan sealed the points in stoppage time when substitute Dmitri Nazarov beat Hogg with an excellent shot.
Azerbaijan
K. Agayev, Q. Qarayev, M. Medvedev, B. Guseynov, R. Sadygov, C. Huseynov, V. Nadirov (81 E. Israfiklov), R. Amirguliyev, N. Alasakrov (23 R. Gurbanov), A. Dashdemirov, A. Ismayilov (70 D. Nazarov).
Malta
A. Hogg, J. Caruana, S. Bezzina (46 S. Pisani), S. Borg, A. Agius, R. Briffa, R. Muscat, A. Schembri (82 R. Fenech), P. Fenech, R. Camilleri (36 Z. Muscat), A. Effiong.
Referee Halis Ozkhaya (Turkey)