Today, on November 17 in Elbasan, the Ukraine youth national team played a friendly match against the home team, Albania's squad.

At the end of the first half, the Albanians earned a penalty kick from about 30 meters away from the goal, which was executed in two touches: Metallist 1925 forward Ermir Rashica completed the combination play practically on the goal line. Despite the friendly nature of the game, VAR technology was used — after a suggestion that the ball crossed the line, the referee confirmed the goal.

Photo by Andriy Harbovskiy

The second half the Ukrainians started more actively, and in its latter part — after Stepnov's substitution — they switched to a two-forward formation. The closest to equalizing was Melnychenko, who shot from a turn on the goalkeeper's line but aimed right where the goalkeeper stood. And already in stoppage time, the hosts doubled their lead — again from a set piece. A corner kick on the left flank ended with Doda's run along the touchline and a pass for Kotoya to shoot. 2:0 — victory for Albania's national team.

Photo by Andriy Harbovskiy

The Ukraine youth national team's next match will be in the Euro 2027 (U-21) qualifiers against Lithuania on March 27.

Photo by Andriy Harbovskiy

Friendship Match

Albania (U-21) — Ukraine (U-21) — 2:0 (1:0)

Goals: Rashica (38), Kotoya (90+5).

Albania (U-21): Simoni, Fika, Bashiu, Rama, Drekaj, Kurti, Bruti (Doda, 66), Alili, Shehu, Fetaj (c) (Kotoya, 85), Rashica (Tom, 66).

Ukraine (U-21): Dolgiy, Ogarkov (Korniychuk, 75), Khолод (Kysil', 66), Melnychenko (c), Gusiev (Krupskyi, 46), Pastukh, Vashenko (Varfolomeev, 82), Tzarenko (Krevsun, 46), Gusoл (Matveich, 46), Pishchur, Slesar (Stepanov, 75).

Yellow cards: Krevsun (80), Stepanov (88).

November 17. Elbasan. 'Elbasan-Arena'.