Euro 2016

[monks data]

European Championship | Qualifiers

Mar 29, 2015 at 5pm UK

Albania Albania
2-1
Armenia Armenia

Mavraj (77'), Gashi (81')

FT(HT: 0-1)

Mavraj (4' og.)
Hambardzumyan (70')

Match Report

Football

Shkelzen Gashi heads Albania to 2-1 win over Armenia

By Charlie Bennett, Reporter

Published: March 29 2015 | 18:57

Last updated: March 29 2015 | 21:30

Armenia rue a red card for Hovhannes Hambardzumyan as they slump to 2-1 defeat at Albania.

Shkelzen Gashi's header has given Albania a crucial 2-1 victory at home to Armenia in Group I of Euro 2016 qualifying.

Armenia stunned the home side when they took the lead in the fifth minute, as Henrikh Mkhitaryan's cross was diverted into his own goal by Mergim Mavraj.

The visitors almost doubled their advantage shortly after, but Artur Yedigaryan's long-range effort grazed the post.

It took a while for Albania to wake up but when they did, they really threatened. Sokol Cikalleshi struck the post with a left-footed shot, before Lorik Cana missed a header from a few yards out.

In the second half Armenia were reduced to 10 men when Hovhannes Hambardzumyan was shown a second yellow card, and Albania capitalised as Mavraj powered in a header from a corner, before Gashi's late strike secured the win.