EURO U-17 / Albania draws with Croatia

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

At the "Air Albania" stadium, the Reds and Blacks drew 1-1 with Croatia. Albania played a very good match and dominated at times, especially in the second half, where the Reds and Blacks found the way to the net with Gabriel Kulla.

Coach Andrea Tedesco started with this starting line-up: Raffaele Huli (GK), Darli Kurti, Kris Gecaj (C), Andreas Llana, Lucas Cekrezi, Fabjano Nuhaj, Ernesto Marqueshi, Gabriel Kulla, Rikardo Sheji, Emiljano Mihana, Arian Gavelli Sanches.

Croatia were more demanding at the start of the match, however the Reds and Blacks were well positioned at the back and removed any danger.

The first goal of the match was scored in the 28th minute. After an arc in the area by the player from Croatia, the footballer Darli Kurti did not remove the ball properly and scored an own goal. The first half ended 0-1 for Croatia.

The second faction started with a substitution for Albania. Arian Gavelli left the game and Sergio Vogli was activated.

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

Llana appeared dangerous even in the 64th. The midfielder took the ball well inside the area and attempted a shot, but the ball ended up off the post.

Albania equalized with Gabriel Kulla in the 66th minute. Ricardo Sheji shot spectacularly from the penalty kick, but the ball was stopped by the crossbar. Then, striker Gabriel Kulla sent the ball into the net.

In the 73rd, Kulla had another good chance, but his shot was stopped first by the opposing defender and then by the goalkeeper.

Coach Tedesco made the next two substitutions. Mihana and Marqeshi came out of the game and Shkëmbi and Ramku were activated. Next, the red and black technician also activated Spasian Nasto and Amer Kthupin.

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

And today, the other match of group 3 took place, Netherlands - Faroe Islands. The match played at the "Niko Dovana" stadium ended with the tulips winning 6-0.

On October 12, the second matches of group 3 will be played. The Reds will host the Netherlands at the "Air Albania" national stadium, with the challenge scheduled to be played at 3:00 p.m., while at 11:00 a.m. at the "House of Football" to play the match Croatia - Faroe Islands.