Development Tournament: Albania strike in the first half, Titans better after the break

The San Marino Under-16 National Team were beaten by hosts Albania in their second match of the UEFA Under-16 Development Tournament. After an initial phase of sparring, it was Albania who created the first chance, with Zekaj setting up Egzon Kajbe, who however fired over the bar. A few minutes later the hosts tried again with a wicked cross from the left by Lila, which San Marino goalkeeper Bucci had to deal with to avert the danger. The deadlock was broken in the 14th minute, when Zekaj struck directly from a free-kick on the edge of the box to give Albania the lead. Andrea Tedesco’s side made the most of another free-kick shortly afterwards, when once again Zekaj opted to swing the ball into the area instead of shooting, picking out the head of Egzon Kajbe, who however failed to hit the target. Albania kept pushing and in the 21st minute Lila’s effort was well saved by Terni, then – shortly after – the Titans coached by Bonesso also showed themselves in attack: a long throw-in by Montali found Bucchi, whose header lacked the power to trouble the keeper. Just before the half-hour mark, Albania doubled their lead: a vertical pass from Malko, a moment of indecision at the back between Stefani and Zavoli, and Egzon Kajbe pounced to unleash a powerful shot from the edge of the box; Bucci got a touch but could not keep it out. In the 34th minute Albania went very close to a third when captain Zekaj – on the books at Roma – hit the post with another free-kick. The third goal for Albania did arrive in the 43rd minute, again through Zekaj – the stand-out performer for his side – who met a Malko cross, battled with Stefani and then found the far corner with his left foot. Before the break, Zekaj threatened again from a set piece but Bucci was equal to it and held the ball.

The match then moved into the second half. Early on, the Biancazzurri were the ones to threaten with a good move initiated by Montebelli, who released Montali in behind, but Albanian defender Vahid Kajbe read it well and cleared for a corner. The tempo then began to drop, but in the 70th minute the hosts again went close to scoring from a free-kick: on this occasion it was Himallari who took aim, but Sami (who had come on at half-time for Bucci) denied him with a fine save. A little later San Marino responded through Aureli, who persisted down the flank before the ball found its way to Terni on the edge of the box, but his effort flew well wide. In the 82nd minute the Titans, much improved after the interval, put together a superb move: Balsimelli delivered into the middle for Raschi, who managed to get a shot away on goal, but the Sammarinese forward’s left-footed effort crashed against the inside of the post and stayed out. The closing stages belonged to Albania, who on several occasions tried to increase the gap, but the Titans’ backline held firm until the final whistle.

San Marino will be back in action on Friday 25 April at 11:30 against Andorra, who were narrowly beaten by Kosovo yesterday. The standings currently have Kosovo top with maximum points, followed by Albania and Andorra on 3 points. The Titans are bottom with zero points. All matches are available live or on demand on the Albanian FA’s YouTube channel (click here).

UEFA Under-16 Development Tournament, Matchday 2 | Albania – San Marino 3-0

ALBANIA

Betoja, Dodaj (65’ Qosia), Mali (46’ Koro), Malko, Vata (71’ Marku), Ruci, Kurtulaj (46’ Himallari), Zogu, Lila (46’ Gjuzi), Zekaj (46’ V. Kajbe), E. Kajbe (65’ Lleshi)

Head coach: Andrea Tedesco

SAN MARINO

Bucci (46’ Sami), Sammaritani (46’ Battazza), Terni , Stefani, Zavoli (70’ Pala), Cervellini (70’ Valentini), Bucchi (62’ Raschi), Ciacci (46’ Monaldi), Cika (46’ Muccioli), Montali (62’ Aureli), Montebelli (78’ Balsimelli)

Head coach: Alessandro Loris Bonesso

Referee: Johan Kusta

Assistant referees: Denis Hajrullah, Renald Seferaj

Fourth official: Dashnor Veizaj

Scorers: 14’ and 43’ Zekaj, 30’ E. Kajbe

Booked: Bucchi, Dodaj, Malko, Himallari