The match will mark Italian coach Rolando Maran’s competitive debut in charge of Albania. After several days of preparations, Maran said he had been encouraged by the players’ commitment and work ethic but did not reveal his starting lineup.

“This is the start of my adventure as Albania coach. It is an emotion that makes you proud and pushes you to give more, and that motivates me,” Maran said.

Albania are targeting a positive start and first place in the group. Captain Berat Gjimshiti said the team also aims to secure another appearance at the European Championship.

“We want first place and the chance to qualify for the European Championship for a third time. That is the objective and this is the right path,” Gjimshiti said.

Maran will be without midfielder Qazim Laçi, who picked up an injury a day before the match. Adrion Pajaziti, Luis Hasa, Sabah Kerjota and goalkeeper Simon Simoni are also unavailable for the game, while Kristjan Asllani has recovered and is available.

Armando Broja, Nedim Bajrami and Jasir Asani are also absent from the squad, while goalkeeper Etrit Berisha has returned to the national team after a two-year absence.

Belarus arrive in Tirana unbeaten in their last six matches, providing an early test for Maran’s side.

Albania will play three more Nations League matches after Saturday’s game: against San Marino on Sept. 29, Finland on Oct. 3 and San Marino again on Oct. 6.

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In today’s press conference, Maran spoke highly of the opponent while emphasizing that the team’s objective is to play the best match possible.

“Belarus’s recent strong form is a huge motivator for us. We highly respect them, and their work ethic forces us to raise our focus. They are an incredibly hardworking group, always fully committed,” Maran stated.

The Italian coach underscored the importance of game management, particularly during moments when the team loses possession of the ball.

Maran also addressed the team’s absences, noting that the situation has provided an opportunity to test new alternatives. “Some of the players haven’t had the chance to train. Faced with these absences, I’ve tried out new things and received positive signals. I am very confident that even if some players cannot play the full 90 minutes, they will perform well on the pitch,” the coach said.

The Italian coach emphasized that the time spent with the players has helped him get to know them better and select those he considers most suitable for this match.

“My journey as Albania’s coach starts tomorrow—a challenge that brings me immense excitement and pride. Despite some recent injury troubles in camp, I have total confidence. Whoever plays tomorrow will know their role inside and out,” Maran declared.

The Albania vs. Belarus match will be played on Saturday at 20:45. /p.s./

Albania and Belarus have met seven times in international football history. The Red and Blacks hold a slight edge with three wins to Belarus’s two, alongside two draws. However, the goal difference remains perfectly level, with both sides scoring and conceding 10 goals each.

Date   Match            Result Competition

02 September 2006           Belarus – Albania    2–2     Euro 2008 Qualifiers

17 November 2007            Albania – Belarus    2–4     Euro 2008 Qualifiers

12 October 2010    Belarus – Albania    2–0     Euro 2012 Qualifiers

26 March 2011       Albania – Belarus    1–0     Euro 2012 Qualifiers

15 November 2013            Albania – Belarus    0–0     Friendly match

04 September 2020           Belarus – Albania    0–2     UEFA Nations League

18 November 2020            Albania – Belarus    3–2     UEFA Nations League

Early encounters were difficult for Albania, including their heaviest home defeat—a 2–4 loss in 2007. However, they secured a historic first victory in Tirana in 2011, thanks to a decisive goal by Ervin Skela. More recently, the Red and Blacks won both of their competitive matches under manager Edoardo Reja during the 2020/21 UEFA Nations League campaign. They claimed a 2–0 victory in Minsk on September 4, 2020, followed by a thrilling 3–2 win in Tirana—fueled by a Sokol Cikalleshi brace and a goal from Rey Manaj—which secured top spot in the group.

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The decision was approved on Thursday in accordance with the law on the international agreements and treaties in the Republic of Albania, proposed by the Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs.

The government approved revocation of the decision “On the partial suspension of the agreement between the Council of Ministers of the Republic of Albania and the government of the Republic of Belarus, on the reciprocal abolition of visa requirements.”

The decision enters into force immediately.

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Spiropali  described Tsikhanouskaya as “a special friend”, saying: “Today I met a special friend, a strong lady, the leader of the democratic movement of Belarus, Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya, a symbol of a female leader, a strong and inspiring voice, known and supported worldwide for her dedication to the values ​​of democracy, freedom, justice, and human dignity”.

“Since 2020, her husband has been a political prisoner in Belarus and is serving his sentence along with hundreds of activists, journalists and citizens who are demanding the restoration of the democratic system. Sviatlana was denied victory as President in the elections.

“She continues the mission of the Belarusian opposition and is leading it with vision and commitment towards transformative democratic changes,” said Spiropali./p.s./

The Council of Ministers decided on Wednesday to partially suspend the intergovernmental agreement on the mutual cancellation of visa requirements under a proposal by the Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs.

According to the decision, the partial suspension applies to the diplomatic and service passport holders.

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Economic advisor to the Tirana Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Bashkim Sykja said that “Albania is being increasingly seen not only as an attractive tourist destination, but also as a concrete cooperation opportunity in business and investments.”

According to him, the launch of Belarusian Chamber of Commerce and Industry office in Tirana is a clear indicator of growing interest in Albania by the Belarusian business.

During the online meeting, the current state of Belarus-Albania trade and economic relations, cooperation prospects in the manufacturing sector, agriculture, tourism, and other fields were discussed.

The speakers delivered presentations of both countries’ business climate and economic potential and the possibilities offered by chambers of commerce and industry to promote business contacts.

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She emphasized that Albania joins calls for international investigation in this serious incident.

“I am shocked by the hijacking of the Ryanair plane. Albania joins calls for international investigation into this serious incident and asks for the release of Roman Protasevich”, said Xhaçka in her reaction in the social networks.

Belarus forced the Ryanair plane – bound for Lithuania – to land, claiming a bomb threat.

Police came and took Roman Protasevich away when passengers disembarked.

The plane was flying from the Greek capital, Athens. The aircraft was due to land in Vilnius, but was still in Belarusian airspace when it was told to divert it to their own capital, Minsk./p.s./