Albania U-17 played their first qualifying match in Group 3, valid for the U-17 European Championship against Croatia.

At the “Air Albania” stadium, the red-and-blacks drew 1-1 with Croatia. Albania displayed a very good performance and dominated with chances, especially in the second half, where they found the back of the net with Gabriel Kulla.

Coach Andrea Tedesco started with the following starting lineup: Raffaele Huli (GK), Darli Kurti, Kris Gecaj (C), Andreas Llana, Lucas Cekrezi, Fabjano Nuhaj, Ernesto Marqeshi, Gabriel Kulla, Rikardo Sheji, Emiljano Mihana, and Arian Gavelli Sanches.

Croatia was more demanding at the start of the match; however, the red-and-blacks were well positioned in defense and neutralized any threats.

The first goal of the match came in the 28th minute. After a cross into the box from a Croatian player, defender Darli Kurti failed to clear the ball properly and scored an own goal. The first half ended 0-1 in favor of Croatia.

The second half began with a substitution for Albania. Arian Gavelli left the game and Serxhio Vogli came on.

Albania came very close to scoring in the 60th minute with Andreas Llana. The red-and-black midfielder attempted a spectacular shot from outside the box but was stopped by the opposing goalkeeper.

Llana posed a threat again in the 64th minute. The midfielder controlled the ball well inside the box and took a shot, but it went just wide of the post.

Albania equalized with Gabriel Kulla in the 66th minute. Rikardo Sheji took a spectacular free kick, but the ball was saved by the crossbar. Subsequently, striker Gabriel Kulla sent the ball into the net.

In the 73rd minute, Kulla had another good opportunity, but his shot was first blocked by an opposing defender and then by the goalkeeper.

Coach Tedesco made two more substitutions, taking out Mihana and Marqeshi and bringing in Shkëmbi and Ramku. The red-and-black coach also activated Spasian Naston and Amer Kthupi.

Albania continued to push for a second goal until the end, but without success. The match ended in a 1-1 draw.

Today, the other match in Group 3, Netherlands – Faroe Islands, also took place. The match held at the “Niko Dovana” stadium concluded with a 6-0 victory for the tulips.

On October 12, the second matches in Group 3 will be played. The red-and-blacks will host the Netherlands at the national stadium “Air Albania,” with the match scheduled for 15:00, while at 11:00, Croatia will face the Faroe Islands at the “Football House.”

/a.c/