San Marino, the worst team in the world, records first victory in 20 years

San Marino defeated Liechtenstein 1-0 in the UEFA Nations League on Thursday, recording their first ever win in a competitive match and their first win in 20 years.

Nicko Sensoli scored in the 53rd minute to give the small nation surrounded by Italy its first victory in a competitive match.

San Marino is ranked 210th — last — in the FIFA world rankings. Liechtenstein is not far ahead at 199th.

San Marino’s last victory came in April 2004, in a friendly against the same opponents.

Since then, their fans have endured 140 games without a win and the 19-year-old Sensoli’s goal brought wild celebrations to the San Marino stadium.

Sensoli wasn’t even born when San Marino last won. It took a long time until the final whistle and eight minutes of added time before the victory was confirmed. This puts the home team at the top of Group 1, which includes three teams, including Gibraltar.

Thursday’s victory takes San Marino’s all-time record to 2-10-199.

Information from The Associated Press and Reuters contributed to this report.