Albania won 1-0 tonight against Latvia at the “Air Albania” stadium. The match counted for Group K of the 2026 World Cup qualifiers.

Coach Silvinho lined up Strakosha in goal. The defense had Hysaj, Gjimshiti, Ajeti and Mitaj. In midfield played Shehu, Asllani and Laçi. The attack was led by Broja, Manaj and Nedim Bajrami.

Latvia, coached by Paolo Nicolato, started with Zviedris, Balodis, Černomordijs, Dašķevičs, Varslavān, Jurkovskis, Cigaņiks, Zelenkovs, Vapne, Šits and Meļņik.

Albania had the first chance in the 4th minute, when Bajrami shot from distance but missed. In the 9th minute, Laçi also went close with a header.

The goal came in the 25th minute. Asllani converted a penalty after Laçi’s cross was stopped by a Latvian handball.

Five minutes later, Manaj tried with his left foot, but the ball went wide. The first half ended 1-0.

In the second half, Albania pushed for a second goal. Bajrami missed a good chance in the 52nd minute, and Gjimshiti failed to hit the target in the 56th.

Silvinho refreshed the team with substitutions. Arbër Hoxha replaced Nedim Bajrami. Later, Daku and Pajaziti came on for Manaj and Laçi.

Latvia almost equalized in the 86th minute, but Mitaj cleared the ball off the line. Albania held on until the end and secured a valuable 1-0 win.

In the other Group K match, England crushed Serbia 5-0 away.

The standings now show England leading with 15 points. Albania is second with 8 points. Serbia follows with 7 points and a game in hand. Latvia remains last with 4 points.

/a.c/