Albania eye comeback in crucial return leg against Cyprus

The Albanian women’s national team played their first match this afternoon against Cyprus, valid for the UEFA Nations League play-out phase.

In the match held at the “Antonis Papadopoulos” Stadium, the red and black girls were defeated with a final score of 3–2, CE Report quotes ATA.

Coach Armir Grima fielded the following lineup: Antigoni Hyska (GK), Arbiona Bajraktari, Sara Maliqi, Klea Hamonikaj, Arbenita Curraj, Ezmiralda Franja, Alma Hilaj, Megi Doçi (C), Qendresa Krasniqi, Mimoza Hamidi, and Valentina Troka.

The match did not start well for the Albanian team, as the Cypriot side was more dominant in the opening minutes.

Everything changed after the 15th minute, when Albania began approaching the opponent’s goal more frequently, creating several dangerous chances.

In the 23rd minute came the best opportunity for Albania to take the lead. Megi Doçi carried the ball forward, entered the box, and faced the goalkeeper, but her shot was stopped. Troka tried again on the rebound, but the Cypriot goalkeeper reacted well once more, denying the goal.

A few minutes later, Albania won a free kick after a foul near the penalty area. Megi Doçi took responsibility and, with a low shot, sent the ball into the net, giving Albania the lead in the 29th minute.

The goal boosted the confidence of the Albanian team, and just a few minutes later, they doubled the score again through Doçi. The captain struck from around 40 meters out, surprising the Cypriot goalkeeper with a brilliant execution to make it 2–0.

In the 43rd minute, Cyprus reduced the difference with a long-range goal that the goalkeeper Hyska could not stop in time. The hosts equalized shortly before halftime.

Albania came close to scoring a third goal in the added minutes of the first half but failed to convert, and the half ended 2–2.

The second half started well for Albania, who immediately sought the lead again. Doçi provided a great assist for Hamidi, but her attempt did not result in a goal.

In the 63rd minute, Albania had another golden opportunity. Krasniqi launched a quick counterattack and passed perfectly to Troka, who found herself one-on-one with the goalkeeper, but her shot went wide.

The red and blacks maintained control of the game, pushing play almost entirely into the Cypriot half and applying continuous pressure.

However, against the run of play, Cyprus scored again in the 83rd minute, taking the lead with their third goal of the match.

The game ended 3–2 in favor of Cyprus. Despite the loss, the Albanian women put on a strong performance, created many chances in the second half, but were undone by a lack of finishing precision.

Albania will play the return leg at “Air Albania” Stadium on October 28 at 18:00, where it will be decided whether the team will remain in League B or drop to League C for the next Nations League edition.