The Albanian U-17 national team started the second round of the European Championship qualifiers with a victory, defeating Azerbaijan 4-1 at “Elbasan Arena.”
The standout performer of the match was Evangjelos Gjoka, who scored a hat-trick, while Gabriel Kulla sealed the team’s triumph with his goal.
Coach Andrea Tedesco started the match against Azerbaijan with the following starting lineup: Raffaele Huli (GK), Darli Kurti, Eros Ndrecka, Andreas Llana, Fabian Hallidri, Fabjano Nuhaj (C), Evangjelos Gjoka, Gabriel Kulla, Alen Vukaj, Arman Durmisi, Alex Ramku.
Albania started the match on the attack and found the back of the net as early as the 7th minute through Gjoka. The red and blacks dominated the first half, creating several good scoring opportunities with Kulla, Gjoka, and Ramku but were unable to double their lead.
At the start of the second half, Azerbaijan temporarily equalized through Rzayev. However, Albania responded quickly, regaining the lead in the 53rd minute, once again with Gjoka. The midfielder continued his outstanding performance, completing his hattrick in the 64th minute. In the 76th minute, Gabriel Kulla sealed the victory with Albania’s fourth goal.
In the end, Albania secured a spectacular 4-1 win.
The U-17 national team will play its second and final match of the round against Wales on March 25 at 15:00 at the “House of Football.”
