Development Tournament: Kosovo defeat San Marino Under-16s

The San Marino Under-16 National Team made their debut yesterday in the UEFA Development Tournament being held in Albania, where, in addition to the Titans and the hosts, Kosovo and Andorra are also involved. Bonesso’s youngsters faced the Kosovans in their opening fixture, going down 7-0 against highly rated opposition.

San Marino started well and were the first to threaten after an initial phase of study: Montebelli exchanged passes with Raschi and let fly, only to be denied by Gervalla’s crucial touch. Once they had shaken off their early nerves, Kosovo took control of proceedings and broke the deadlock on 10 minutes through Babaj, who was on hand to turn in a low cross from captain Mustafa. The Biancazzurrini replied with a corner from Montebelli, cleared by the defence, and with a powerful header by Raschi – picked out from a Ciacci set-piece – that was kept out by Shala. In similar fashion, Kosovo doubled their lead: Klemendi, latching on to a free-kick situation, beat Bucci in a one-on-one. The third goal arrived instead from the penalty spot: Latifi penalised contact between Sammaritani and Duzhmani, allowing Unejs Krasniqi to extend the lead. In the latter part of the first half, San Marino went in search of a goal through Stefani – off target from mid-range – and Bucchi, set up by Raschi for a promising effort, again thwarted by Gervalla. Before the interval Kosovo threatened once more, but failed to hit the target after a one-two between Mustafa and Kelmendi.

There were wholesale changes at the start of the second half, also in light of UEFA Development Tournament regulations, which guarantee a minimum amount of playing time for all called-up players. Kosovo scored immediately after the restart through Mustafa, who won the ball back high up the pitch and beat substitute goalkeeper Sami. A minute later, Ciacci picked out the run of Montebelli – denied by Fazlija’s swift low intervention. On 64 minutes, the opposite number, Gioele Sami, was decisive, reacting well to keep out Gajtani’s low drive. Shortly afterwards, San Marino earned a free-kick on the edge of the area, which Montebelli lifted over the wall but could not keep sufficiently down. In the final quarter of an hour Kosovo further stretched their advantage: Aliu made it 5-0 after a brilliant back-heel assist from Duzhmani, while the sixth goal – four minutes later – was scored by Gajtani, who cut in from the wing before finishing past the San Marino keeper. In between, a nice move between Terni and Montebelli earned a corner, which Monaldi swung in for the late run of Battazza – just off target with his effort. Before the final whistle Kosovo sealed the 7-0 scoreline through Selmani: the forward, introduced in the second half, merely had to tap in after another excellent assist from Duzhmani.

The Biancazzurrini will return to the pitch tomorrow afternoon to face hosts Albania (15:00 local time), who lost 1-0 to Andorra in the opening match. All games are available live or on demand on the Albanian Football Association’s YouTube channel (click here).

UEFA Under-16 Development Tournament, Matchday 1 | San Marino-Kosovo 0-7

SAN MARINO

Bucci (46’ Sami), Sammaritani (46’ Pala), Terni, Cervellini (77’ Muccioli), Stefani (59’ Balsimelli), Zavoli (77’ Battazza), Valentini (46’ Montali), Bucchi (68’ Monaldi), Montebelli, Ciacci (68’ Cika), Raschi (46’ Aureli)

Head coach: Alessandro Loris Bonesso

KOSOVO

Shala (46’ Fazlija), Aliu, Zhushi (46’ Rusinovci), Gervalla (57’ Boshnjaku), U. Krasniqi (57’ Ahmeti), Fazliu (46’ Selmani), Kelmendi (46’ Gajtani), Babaj (46’ Blakcori), Mustafa (63’ Rexhepaj), Duzhmani, L. Krasniqi (63’ Ademi)

Head coach: Mehmet Kurda

Referee: Edvin Lafiti

Assistant referees: Hetem Jahaj, Xhejni Kashah

Fourth official: Hekuran Arapi

Scorers: 10’ Babaj, 19’ Kelmendi, 23’ pen. U. Krasniqi, 47’ Mustafa, 80’ Aliu, 84’ Gajtani, 85’ Selmani

Booked: Ciacci, Duzhmani, Pala