The Albania Women’s National Team wrote another important chapter in its history, defeating Montenegro 5–2 at the Loro Boriçi Stadium and securing qualification for the first round of the play-offs for the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup qualifiers.
The Red-and-Black girls delivered an outstanding performance under head coach Armir Grima, overturning the score and dominating the match in front of their home supporters. The goals were scored by Megi Doçi (2), Fortesa Berisha, Gresa Berisha and Arbiona Bajraktari.
Coach Armir Grima started the match with the following lineup:
Rajmonda Spahiu (GK), Klea Hamonikaj, Arbiona Bajraktari, Mikaela Metalla, Alma Hilaj, Arbenita Curraj, Ezmiralda Franja, Ilarja Zarka, Vanesa Levendi, Fortesa Berisha and Megi Doçi (captain).
Albania began the match on the front foot and threatened Montenegro’s goal as early as the fourth minute, when Fortesa Berisha struck the crossbar, narrowly missing the opening goal.
The home side continued to apply pressure and created further chances in the 11th and 12th minutes through Ezmiralda Franja and Fortesa Berisha, but neither could find the back of the net. Berisha came close again in the 13th minute, yet Albania’s dominance remained unrewarded.
Montenegro took the lead in the 20th minute, but Albania responded immediately. Captain Megi Doçi raced onto a long ball and was brought down by the opposing goalkeeper. The referee awarded a penalty and showed a red card to the Montenegrin goalkeeper, reducing the visitors to ten players. Doçi calmly converted from the spot in the 22nd minute to level the score at 1–1.
Albania continued searching for the lead, with further opportunities for Berisha and Ilarja Zarka, but it was Montenegro who struck again in the 45th minute to regain the advantage at 2–1.
The response came almost instantly. Following an excellent move initiated by Megi Doçi, the captain played the ball to Klea Hamonikaj on the right flank. Hamonikaj delivered a precise cross into the area, where Fortesa Berisha finished confidently to make it 2–2 before halftime.
The second half saw Albania take complete control of the game. The Red-and-Black girls dictated the tempo and continuously created dangerous situations in front of Montenegro’s goal.
The decisive turning point arrived in the 63rd minute when Megi Doçi unleashed a superb long-range strike that found the net, surprising both the goalkeeper and the defence. The goal completed her brace and gave Albania a deserved 3–2 lead.
Albania’s dominance continued. In the 67th minute, Gresa Berisha scored the fourth goal after an elegant assist from Ezmiralda Franja, putting the hosts firmly in control.
Just three minutes later, Albania struck again. Defender Arbiona Bajraktari found the net following another excellent assist from Franja, sealing a memorable 5–2 victory and an unforgettable night for Albanian women’s football.
Thanks to this victory and the three points earned against Montenegro, Albania secured qualification for the first round of the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup play-offs, confirmed its place in League B, and set a new national record by collecting seven points in a League B group for the first time.
It is another major achievement for the Women’s National Team, which continues to make history and demonstrate the remarkable progress of women’s football in Albania.
