Albania in a World Cup play-off for the first time! Grima names the squad for the two ties against Wales

For the first time in their history, Albania’s women will play in a World Cup play-off round. The Red-and-Blacks will face the Wales national team in two historic matches, on 9 and 13 October, in another important moment for women’s football in Albania.

The team led by coach Armir Grima will begin its gathering on Sunday in Shkodër, where preparations for the two ties of this round will continue. For this encounter, coach Grima has also announced the list of 24 players called up, with Sara Maliqi, Endrina Elezaj, Arvina Nadiar Islami, Klaudia Borci, Florentina Kuqi and Qëndresa Krasniqi returning to the squad. An important absence, meanwhile, is defender Arbenita Curraj, who will not be part of the team because of an injury.

The first match will be played at “Loro Boriçi” on 9 October at 18:00, while the return tie will take place on 13 October at 20:15 (CET). Entry to the “Loro Boriçi” stadium will be free and the matches will be broadcast live and exclusively on FSHF Tv.

The full list

Goalkeepers: Antigoni Hyska, Rajmonda Spahiu, Klesjana Spaho

Defenders: Rexhina Maxhalaku, Sara Maliqi, Alma Hilaj, Endrina Elezaj, Arbiona Bajraktari, Klea Hamonikaj, Xhesika Ndoj, Leonora Dedgjonaj

Midfielders: Arvina Nadiar Islami, Ezmiralda Franja, Megi Doçi, Ilarja Zarka, Qëndresa Krasniqi, Mikaela Metalla, Mesuare Begallo, Vanesa Levenaj, Gresa Berisha

Forwards: Fortesa Berisha, Valentina Troka, Klaudia Borci, Florentina Kuqi