The landscape of Albanian indoor football has a reigning king. In a match defined by high intensity, tactical discipline, and raw emotion, Flamurtari Futsal has officially secured the Albanian Futsal Cup, defeating a formidable Vllaznia side with a narrow 3-2 victory.
The final, held at the iconic "Qazim Dervishi" Sports Palace in Shkodër, lived up to its billing as the pinnacle of the season. For fans of Albanian sport, this wasn't just a game; it was a showcase of how far Futsal has come in the Land of the Eagles.
A First Half of Tactical Chess and Goals
From the opening whistle, the atmosphere in Shkodër was electric. Playing on their home turf, Vllaznia started with an aggressive press that caught the Vlora-based side off guard.
The deadlock was broken early in the 7th minute. Besfort Gjoklaj found a pocket of space and fired home, sending the local fans into a frenzy. Vllaznia’s 1-0 lead forced Flamurtari to abandon their cautious approach and push forward.
The response from Flamurtari was clinical. In the 11th minute, the star of the match, Shehaj, showcased his technical brilliance by leveling the score at 1-1. However, the drama was far from over. Vllaznia, known for their resilience, reclaimed the lead in the 16th minute through Hysenaj.
Just when it looked like the Shkodrans would go into the break with the advantage, Shehaj struck again. His second goal in the 19th minute ensured that both teams headed to the locker rooms with the score locked at 2-2.
The Second Half: Kalus Seals the Glory
The second half saw a shift in momentum. Both teams tightened their defensive lines, realizing that a single mistake could cost them the trophy. The "Qazim Dervishi" palace witnessed a physical and fast-paced battle where goalkeepers on both ends were forced into heroic saves.
As the clock ticked down and the possibility of extra time loomed, Flamurtari found their opening. It was Kalus who etched his name into the club's history books. With a clinical finish in the final minutes of the match, he secured the 3-2 lead.
Vllaznia threw everything forward in the dying seconds, utilizing a "flying goalkeeper" tactic, but Flamurtari’s defense held firm like a fortress. When the final buzzer sounded, the celebrations began for the red-and-black side from Vlora.
The Trophy Ceremony: Honoring the Champions
Following the intense battle, a formal ceremony was held to honor the participants. Florian Riza, the Amateur Football Specialist at the Albanian Football Federation (FSHF), was present to lead the proceedings.
The Vllaznia players were awarded silver medals for a hard-fought campaign, acknowledging their status as one of the elite teams in the country. However, the night belonged to Flamurtari. Amidst cheers and applause, the captain of Flamurtari Futsal lifted the trophy high, marking another successful chapter for the club's trophy cabinet.
Why This Win Matters for Albanian Futsal
This final highlights the growing popularity of Futsal in Albania. While traditional football often dominates the headlines, the quality of play seen in the Kupa e Shqipërisë në Futsall proves that the indoor variant is thriving.
- Regional Rivalry: The clash between Vlora (Flamurtari) and Shkodra (Vllaznia) is one of the oldest and most respected rivalries in Albanian sports.
- Talent Development: Players like Shehaj and Gjoklaj are proving that local talent is capable of producing high-level entertainment.
- Infrastructure: The use of facilities like "Qazim Dervishi" shows the importance of investing in sports palaces to host national events.
Final Stats and Match Info
- Result: Flamurtari 3-2 Vllaznia
- Scorers (Flamurtari): Shehaj (11', 19'), Kalus (38')
- Scorers (Vllaznia): Gjoklaj (7'), Hysenaj (16')
- Venue: Qazim Dervishi Sports Palace, Shkodër
- Competition: Albanian Futsal Cup Final (Kupa e Shqipërisë)
Flamurtari's victory is a testament to their preparation and mental strength. Overcoming a deficit twice in a hostile away environment is no small feat. As they celebrate this cup win, the focus of the Albanian futsal community now shifts to the upcoming league matches, where these two giants will undoubtedly meet again.