Kosovo's footballers have won the first match of the playoff for inclusion in League B of the Nations League.
On Thursday evening at the packed "Fadil Vokrri" stadium in Pristina, the "Dardans" won 2:1.
Kosovo was more active at the start of the match and deservedly took the lead.
CSKA Sofia center back Lumbardh Dellova received Amir Rrahmani's pass and fired a shot past the opposing goalkeeper in the 19th minute. It was his second goal for Kosovo.
But the joy lasted only three minutes.
After a quick counterattack, captain Orri Oskarsson tied the score at 22:1 in the 1nd minute.
Augsburg midfielder Elvis Rexhbeçaj also scored a beautiful goal for Kosovo. Rexhbeçaj scored in the 58th minute with a precise shot from distance, with the help of the upright. It was his first goal for Kosovo in the sixth match.
Kosovo had another goal by captain Amir Rrahmani disallowed in the 76th minute.
Goalkeeper Arijanet Muriq also had credit for Kosovo's victory, as he made several saves.
Vesel Demaku, midfielder of Altach of the Austrian Bundesliga, made his debut in Kosovo on Thursday.
Kosovo will play the return match on March 23 in Murcia, Spain, as the stadium in Reykjavik, where Iceland plays its matches, is under renovation.
Foda: We had the opportunity to score more goals
Kosovo coach Franco Foda stated that Kosovo played well and deserved the victory.
He added that the changes made in the second half had an effect.
Foda added that Kosovo had chances to score more goals.
"In the first 15 minutes of the game we played well and deservedly took the lead. But then we lost control of the game a little. It didn't work the way I thought at the beginning. After the first half we made some changes. We also changed the game system. I'm happy with the second half and I'm pleased with the whole team. We had the opportunities to score more goals, but Iceland definitely needs the win. If we continue with the same game as in the second half it will be difficult for Iceland, while we aim for League B", declared Foda.
Muric says Kosovo was better
Kosovo goalkeeper Arijanet Muriq said after the match that they deserved the victory. But he added that the match could have ended earlier. Muriq stood out with many saves against Iceland.
"I think it's a pleasure to send the fans home with a smile. We were able to end the game earlier. But we are happy with the victory. We played well overall and that's important. What we showed today is that we have a team that is developing a lot. We have good opportunities to advance to League B," declared goalkeeper Muriq.
Rrahmani says Kosovo reacted well after conceding goal
Kosovo captain, Amir Rrahmani, said after the match that he and his teammates reacted well after the goal conceded.
Rrahmani scored a goal in the second half, but it was disallowed.
"Apart from the fact that in the first 20-25 minutes we couldn't decide how to press and how to defend, after the goal we conceded we found a way to defend. Then it was easier because we pressed one on one and we pressed high. We created chances very easily. Naturally, we believe in qualification. We will give our maximum. The return match will be even more difficult."
Sahiti: When we win it's a good feeling
Emir Sahiti, who came on in the second half of Kosovo's victory over Iceland, expressed his happiness for the victory.
"Every time we win it's a good feeling, so we're happy. We're all fighting for each other. Nothing is over. In the next match we have to go with a score of 0:0, not as if we won. But we're proud of the victory. We have a good group. Everyone is playing and progressing. I hope we continue with victories. I hope we show our best and make everyone proud," declared Sahiti, the Hamburg footballer in Bundesliga 2.
Goalkeeper Murić with an extraordinary save
Goalkeeper Arijanet Murić saved Kosovo from conceding a goal on several occasions. But the 69th minute save was extraordinary.
Captain Oskarsson attempted a shot from the area, but Muriq reached out and deflected the ball into the corner.
Rashica misses a golden opportunity
Milot Rashica had a golden opportunity to score for Kosovo.
But in a one-on-one situation, Rashica shot but the ball hit the opposing goalkeeper in the head.
It was a moment in the 63rd minute.
Rexhebecaj's super goal
Elvis Rexhbeçaj scored his first goal with the "Dardan" jersey.
Rexhbeçaj scored with a precise shot from outside the area.
Elvis Rexhbeçaj's beauty to give us the lead. 😍#KOSISL I 🇽🇰2-1🇮🇸
- Kosovan Football @ (@kosovanfooty_EN) March 20, 2025
pic.twitter.com/rA0pO0GIQj
He also scored with the help of the post in the 58th minute.
Demaku makes his debut in Kosovo
Coach Franco Foda made a double substitution at the start of the second half.
Midfielder Vesel Demaku has entered the field in place of Valon Berisha.
Demaku plays for Altachu in the Austrian Bundesliga. Altachu is in last place in the Austrian football elite.
Meanwhile, Donat Rrudhani has left the field to make way for Emir Sahiti, who is playing for Hamburg in Bundesliga 2.
The first part is closed
Kosovo and Iceland are tied 1:1 after the first half.
Kosovo scored in the 19th minute of the match.
Quarterback Lumbardh Dellova scored with an accurate shot.
Just three minutes later, Iceland's 20-year-old captain, Orri Oskarsson, who plays for Real Sociedad, equalized at "Fadil Vokrri".
He beat goalkeeper Arijanet Muriq and scored into an empty net.
Iceland's goalkeeper waits for Muriqi's shot
Vedat Muriqi appeared dangerous with a header in the 42nd minute.
But the attempt of Muriqi's attacker was saved by the Iceland goalkeeper.
Donat Rrudhani failed to score from the rebound.
Berisha's absence for the return leg confirmed
Valon Berisha was booked in the 38th minute and will miss the return leg in three days in Murcia, Spain.
The center of midfield is considered a weak point for the "Dardans".
Another goal at "Fadil Vokrri"
Iceland's 20-year-old captain, Orri Oskarsson, who plays for Real Sociedad, has equalized the numbers at "Fadil Vokrri".
Oskarsson scored in the 22nd minute.
He beat goalkeeper Arijanet Muriq and scored into an empty net.
Buen goal del capitán Oskarsson atacando al espacio. 🇮🇸 #Real society pic.twitter.com/1RmDaWrWsZ
— Sean Ituarte (@seanituarte) March 20, 2025
GOOOOL
Kosovo scored in the 19th minute of the match.
Quarterback Lumbardh Dellova scored with an accurate shot.
It was his second goal in the Kosovo shirt.
Dellova had also scored against Cyprus in a 4:0 away win on September 9.
Lumbardh Dellova's goal that put us ahead!
— Kosovar Football 🇽🇰 (@KosovarFootball) March 20, 2025
🇽🇰1-0🇮🇸#KOSISL | #NationsLeague | #UNL
pic.twitter.com/HphjPmLxhh
Rashica attempts from distance
Milot Rashica attempted to score against the Icelanders.
He shot from distance but the ball went high over the goal.
Center defender Lumbardh Dellova attempted from almost the same position a minute later.
Dellova's shot also went outside the goal frame.
No goals after ten minutes
10 minutes of play have passed at the "Fadil Vokrri" stadium, which is packed to capacity in support of Kosovo.
Both Kosovo and Iceland have been cautious in the first minutes of the match.
