The Albanian U-17 national team started the second round of the UEFA European Championship qualifiers with an emphatic 4-1 victory against Azerbaijan at the "Elbasan Arena."
The star of the match was undoubtedly Evangjelos Gjoka, who scored a stunning hat-trick, while Gabriel Kulla sealed the Red and Blacks' triumph with his goal.
Head coach Andrea Tedesco fielded this starting lineup for Albania against Azerbaijan: Raffaele Huli (GK), Darli Kurti, Eros Ndrecka, Andreas Llana, Fabian Hallidri, Fabjano Nuhaj (C), Evangjelos Gjoka, Gabriel Kulla, Alen Vukaj, Arman Durmisi, and Alex Ramku.
Albania began the match on the front foot, finding the net as early as the 7th minute through Gjoka. The Red and Blacks dominated the first half, creating several clear chances with Kulla, Gjoka, and Ramku, but couldn’t extend their lead.
At the start of the second half, Azerbaijan temporarily leveled the score with a goal from Rzayev. However, Albania responded swiftly, regaining the lead in the 53rd minute thanks to Gjoka’s second strike. The midfielder continued his remarkable performance, completing his hat-trick in the 64th minute. Gabriel Kulla then put the game beyond doubt with a fourth goal in the 76th minute, sealing a convincing 4-1 win.
With this impressive victory, Albania U-17 now sets its sights on the second and final match of the round against Wales, scheduled for March 25th at 15:00, at the “House of Football.”
The young Albanian squad’s performance not only showcased their attacking prowess but also signaled their determination to advance further in the competition. Fans will eagerly await their next challenge, hoping for another inspiring display from the rising stars of Albanian football.