Albania Beat Belarus 2-0 to Secure UEFA Nations League League B Promotion

Albania Beat Belarus 2-0 to Secure Promotion to UEFA Nations League League B

 

Albania have finished their UEFA Nations League Group C1 campaign in style, defeating Belarus 2-0 away from home to secure first place and promotion to League B for the next edition of the competition.

The Red and Blacks collected all three points in their final group fixture, played in Budapest at the Illovszky Rudolf Stadium, finishing the campaign with an impressive 15 points at the top of Group C1.

Head coach Sylvinho's successor, Maran, selected the following starting XI for the decisive encounter: Berisha (GK), Hysaj, Ismajli, Gjimshiti, Mitaj, Pilo, Asllani, Shehu, Laçi, Hoxha and Manaj.

Albania started brightly, taking control of possession and creating several dangerous opportunities. After early attempts from Laçi and Kristjan Asllani, whose effort struck the crossbar in the 17th minute, the visitors finally broke the deadlock in the 28th minute.

Rey Manaj received the ball on the edge of the penalty area and unleashed a powerful shot that beat the Belarusian goalkeeper, giving Albania a deserved 1-0 lead.

Hysaj Doubles Albania's Advantage

Belarus attempted to respond after the break, but Albania struck again in the 57th minute.

Elseid Hysaj made a forward run down the right flank and sent an effort towards goal. The ball took a deflection off the Belarusian defence before finding the back of the net, doubling Albania's advantage to 2-0.

The Red and Blacks continued to manage the game effectively and had another opportunity to extend their lead in the 63rd minute.

Laçi initially won a penalty, but following a VAR review, the decision was overturned because of an offside in the build-up.

Albania maintained their composure until the final whistle, securing a convincing victory and an important milestone in their Nations League campaign.

Albania Secure Promotion to League B

With this victory, Albania finish Group C1 in first place with 15 points, officially securing promotion to League B of the UEFA Nations League for the next edition.

The result represents an important achievement for Albanian football, as the national team concludes its campaign at the top of the group and takes another step forward in European international competition.