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’

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“The goalkeeper position is the most decisive, as it directly impacts the result. It is unfortunate that I do not have Etrit Berisha available, nor Alen Sherri, who had issues following the match against Finland. I can confirm that Dajsinani will start in goal,” said Maran.

At the official pre-match press conference, Maran emphasized that there are no easy matches in football and urged the team to maintain focus and the right tempo throughout the game.

“There are no easy matches in football. In the first match against San Marino, we dropped the tempo. We played well at the start, but then we started overthinking it,” Maran said.

Maran stressed that the national team wants to keep its playing identity, though tactics will adjust depending on the flow of the game.

Regarding the team’s objectives in the standings, Maran noted that everything hinges on match progression and the critical moments that decide the outcome.

Albania will play versus San Marino on Tuesday, October 6, at 20:45 at the “Air Albania” Stadium in a UEFA Nations League match. /gj.m/j.p/p.s./

The Red and Blacks dominated the match played at the “San Marino Stadium.” Coach Maran’s squad took the lead in the 21st minute thanks to Anis Mehmeti, while the second goal was scored five minutes later by Myrto Uzuni.

Rey Manaj sealed the victory in the 56th minute with the match’s third and final goal, effectively crushing the hosts’ hopes of a comeback.

Coach Rolando Maran opted for an aggressive 4-3-3 formation today.

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This morning, the Red and Blacks held their final training session at the “House of Football.” Under the guidance of head coach Rolando Maran, the squad focused on physical conditioning and tactical fine-tuning ahead of the match.

The Albanian Football Association Communications Department reported that the squad is in good condition and free of any physical problems. Like in the match against Belarus, the only player unavailable is Klisman Cake, who is continuing his recovery. His condition is improving, and he is expected to be ready for the match against Finland.

The national team is set to travel to San Marino today afternoon. At 19:00, there will be the official press conference featuring coach Rolando Maran and a national team player. /m.g./f.n./p.s./