TIRANA, Nov 12/ATA/ Albania have taken a 1-0 lead against Finland in their UEFA Nations League Group C1 fixture, with Ernest Muçi scoring for the hosts.
The Albanian national team made a lively start to the match, creating several good goalscoring opportunities in the opening minutes.
Albania started strongly, with Laçi, Muçi and Asllani all creating early chances, but Finnish goalkeeper Hradecky kept the hosts at bay with a fine save.
Asllani threatened again in the 33rd minute, unleashing a powerful shot from outside the box, but Hradecky was once more on hand to keep Finland in the game.
Rolando Maran selected Etrit Berisha as Albania’s starting goalkeeper, alongside Berat Gjimshiti, Ardian Ismajli, Mario Mitaj, Elseid Hysaj, Stavro Pilo, Kristjan Asllani, Ylber Ramadani, Ernest Muçi, Qazim Laçi and Rey Manaj.
Finland, under the management of Jacob Friis, started the match with Lukas Hrádecký in goal, alongside Adam Ståhl, Miro Tenho, Oliver Antman, Fredrik Jensen, Leo Walta, Adam Marhiev, Ryan Mahuta, Topi Keskinen, Benjamin Källman and Ville Koski.
With the Air Albania Stadium sold out and fans filling the streets of Tirana, Albania are looking to strengthen the lead at the top of Group C1, where they currently sit on nine points, two clear of Finland and Belarus.
/sm/
