TIRANA, October 6 /ATA/ – Albania went top of Group C1 in Nations League after securing a gritty 2-1 win over San Marino at the Air Albania Stadium, sealed by Kristjan Asllani’s dramatic 93rd-minute penalty.
The Red and Blacks took an early lead in the 11th minute when Asllani unleashed a powerful long-range strike into the back of the net. Albania had multiple chances to double their advantage, but Manaj hit the post, while Hoxha, Mehmeti, and Uzuni all missed crucial opportunities. San Marino fought back in the second half, netting an equalizer in the 66th minute. Lazzari, left completely unmarked in the box, capitalised on a cross to beat Dajsinani with a precise finish. Despite pushing hard for a winner in the closing stages, the hosts couldn’t break down the visitors’ stubborn defense.
In the 91st minute, a VAR review for an incident in the penalty area resulted in a penalty for Albania. Asllani converted the spot-kick in the 93rd minute to secure a 2-1 win. With this result, Albania takes all three points and moves to the top of Group C1.
Albania 2-1 San Marino
Asllani 11’, 90+3’ (pen.) / Lazzari 66’
/gj.m/p.s./
