1971 – 1972 | Albanian National Football Championship (Part One)!

1971-1972 Albanian Championship Season.

Weeks 12 to 16

1972 is the year of Shkodra`s football with Vllaznia, who won not only the championship title but also the Cup of the Republic. The success of this team coincides with those of the great Dutch team “Ajax” which had begun to dominate the world arena with their total football. So, we said – it pertains to a period of time, while to make such a comparison between Vllaznia and Ajax v. 1972, of course, a self-control of emotions is needed.

Anyway, in order to get to the title, Shkodra went through a difficult road to the top of Albanian football with a double victory.

The Champion Team “Vllaznia” of the 70-ties!

In the period 1971-1972, after a quarter of a century, the cup and the championship returned to the first winners – the football players of Vllaznia. And this happens after all those fluctuations that this team had during the national championships, including for one year the drop in the second category.

After that, the shkodrans gave convincing evidence that they were climbing higher and higher. We will try with the help of this piece of writing to manage to describe the progress and stages of this edition of the championship that took place with the participation of 14 teams, hoping at the same time to convey as little emotion and excitement as possible in the readers’ memory.

17 Nentori and Partizani set the tone in the first weeks of this championship. In the 10th week, the team wins against Partizan and loses 2 points from it. And when Partizan draws 1-1 with Skenderbeu and 17 Nentori beat Traktori 2-0, increasing the points difference to three with Partizan, that’s when Vllaznia’s ascent begins (17 Nentori, 19 points and Partizan 16 points);

After the festive period of the new year 1972, the teams descend on the field on January 9 to play the 12th week. The following results are achieved:

Dinamo 4-1 Lokomotiva / Tomorri 2-2 Labinoti / Studenti 1-1 Luftetari / Flamurtari 0-2 Vllaznia / Besa 0-0 Partizani / Skanderbeu 1-1 17 Nentori.

There are 4 draws in the six games played. 15 goals were scored. 17 Nentori leads the group with 20 points, followed by Dinamo, Vllaznia and Partizani with 17 points. While Shkendija – Traktori took place one day later…

Photo from the match Besa – Partizani 0-0

The main match was in Kavaje where everything ended with 0-0 intact nets. This meeting was awaited with a lot of interest also due to the fact that these two teams have always held meetings of a good technical-tactical level between them.

And that’s how this match turned out, the good physical preparation of the players from both teams, positive side and efficient game, where in the tactical plan “Besa” acted right by attacking from the wings through Kashami but without being able to score because the goalkeeper Lelaj managed to solve some dramatic moments quite well, such as the one in the 61st minute (Karriqi), but also some other times thanks to the good defense of visitors, such as the form of Cani and S. Berisha. Considering the height bodies of the partisan defenders (Berisha above all), the crosses in the center did not give results. Based on the opportunities created, Besa had to win.

Partizan trusts the quick counterattack with Bajko, Pano and Shaqiri. It should be mentioned that the defensive departments of the teams were at the right level, they fought hard for the first ball and correctly. The match took place on a rough ground, and this was another fact that prevented the players from showing the full extent of their preparation.

Besa: Feshti, Mullaliu, Kapidani, Hushi, Dyla, Mili, Kashami, Karriqi, Merhori, Pagria, Bishtaja Coach.: Muhamet Vila

Partizani : Lelaj, Seferi, Berisha, Cako, Cani, Thaka, Bajko, (Kalluci), Xhafa, Shehu, Pano, Shaqiri (Ziu) Coach.: Bekjush Birce

Referees a trio from Vlora, mainly Faik Bajrami of the international category. There were two red cards respectively for Kariqi e Bese and Cako of Partizani.

What about the others?

Dinamo reaps the deepest victory of the week by beating Lokomotiv 4-1. As the result shows, the locals played better not only in terms of mobilizing the fight for the first ball, but they also had an advantage in terms of physical, technical and tactical preparation. Authors of the goals were Pernaska 28` and 56`, Ibershimi 38`, Xhafa 71`. The goal of the visitors was scored by Puka with a shot from a distance, finding the Dinamo goalkeeper Rama by surprise.

In Vlore, Vllaznia wins 2-0. The locals attacked from the beginning, bringing a lot of work to the Shkodra defense, which in one of these attacks they made a mistake by giving Flamurtari the right to a penalty kick that was successfully neutralized by goalkeeper Ndoja. It is the key moment of the match that affects the locals negatively. Shkodra players understand and take advantage of the situation by scoring in the first half through Hoxha. Flamurtari, even though, does not achieve the desired result. The attempts of “vlonjats” are numerous even in the second half, so much so that Ndoja is forced to intervene 5-6 times within the space of 17 minutes. Zilja, Saraci try for the locals, but Ndoja is not passed, and on the contrary, it will be Vllaznia that scores again through Rakici precisely in the last 5 minutes after a quick counterattack, 0-2!

With all the bad weather and the rain that fell throughout the match, the meeting in Korce between Skanderbeg and the leader 17 Nentori was attended by a large number of spectators. In the first 45 minutes, the locals, where they played with a lot of energy, forced the players from the capital to play with a tight defense. Korca attackers, helped by the other departments of the team, created several scoring opportunities, such as Dhembi hitting the post. While the visitors were based on the counter-attacking game through Hyka, who in a case where he was alone with the goalkeeper Kaci was not able to score the advantage. In the second half, the scoring of the goal by Skanderbeu through Xhambazi, seems to have had a positive effect on the game of the visitors who attacked for the draw. That’s how they try with Hyka, they also hit a post with Kazanxhiu but… the result doesn’t change. Three minutes before the end of the game, Frasheri shoots, and the ball is directed to the penalty area where Shehu, who has replaced Dibre, is located. He solves the problem in his favor in front of the Korca goal by scoring the tying goal, 1-1!

While for the other two matches, it can be said that: Studenti Vs Luftetari, who share the penultimate and last place respectively, played in the “Dinamo” stadium, were of a weak level. Krantja scored the goal, giving the first point to visitors from Gjirokastër, who had remained at 0 after 1100 minutes of play!

In Berat, Tomorri and Labinoti score 4 goals in half an hour of the first half. In the second half, it was not scored any because the teams were more guarded and “agreed” with the draw of a match that the locals of Tomorri played better.

The first phase is over!

With the 13th week, the number of first matches of the phase is closed, leaving the date of January 30, 1972, for the start of the second phase. After 13 games, 17 Nentori is in the lead without defeat with 22 points, followed by Vllaznia and Partizani with 19 points each. Dinamo, which has scored more goals than the others in this phase (27), is 1 point behind (18) in 4th place.

So Besa follows the four major Albanian football teams with 16 points, ranked 5th. At the bottom of the table are Tomorri and Luftetari with 3 points won during the entire first phase and Student closes the ranking even worse than the other two, with just 1 point!!!

We highlight the results: Labinoti 1-1 Dinamo / Luftetari 1-0 Tomorri / Partizani 3-0 Flamurtari / Vllaznia 2-0 Studenti and 17 Nentori – Besa played Saturday 15 January.

In Elbasan Labinoti achieved his 8th draw within one stage and repeated the long history of draws between them and Dinamo. Even though they entered the field mobilized, the people of Elbasan tried to give everything on the field, but they still did not go further than the draw. This time too, they were determined to win, and this was seen in the beautiful game they played, especially in the first half. The lead of the locals was broken in the first minutes of the second half by the visitors who hit the post with a quick counterattack. A few minutes later, Labinoti create scoring opportunities…but it will be Dinamo that opens the series of their attacks. Ceco misses a clear chance, but is quickly corrected by Pernaska, who takes advantage of a cross from the right and scores with a header. In the 63rd minute, Himci, who stood out throughout the match, wins a penalty kick and Rudi scores 1-1. After the draw, dynamos give momentum to the game, forcing the goalkeeper Bakalli to make difficult interventions. From here, a dialogue begins between the local attack and visitor’s defense. Three more scoring opportunities were created for Labinoti, but Himci, N. Hysi and Rudi were not able to change the numbers of the 1-1 draw. Spectators saw a strong game and a Dinamo that worked better tactically. Fair and correct action by the defenders of Labinot who covered Ceco and Pernaska from close range.

January 16, after two consecutive draws, Partizan ended the last meeting of the first phase with a beautiful finish, defeating Flamurtar 3-0, after a satisfactory technical-tactical level. Organized and harmonious actions were performed from the defense in the middle of the field and the attack. His game grew from minute to minute until in the second half he was ahead in every direction. Pano is distinguished by the “embroidery” of several balls that he passed to his friends. While Flamurtari in the last two meetings put a stop to climbing in the rankings. The first half with all the opportunities created by Partizan ended in a 0-0 draw, while in the second half they scored: 46` Xhafa, 55` Pano with a header and 66` Shaqiri.

In Shkoder at the “Vojo Kushi” stadium, Vllaznia scores the victory of its 7th, defeating Studenti 2-0. In each part of the game, they scored one goal. In the 20th minute, Bizi after a bomb shot in the triangle and in the 55th Rakiqi with a header ensures the 2-0 victory. Vlaznia is now on the rise.

From the match in the capital between 17 Nentori and Besa 1-0. The moment of the goal scored by Llambi

In “Qemal Stafa”, which is full, the match takes place between 17 Nentori – Besa. The first 45 minutes unfold with many emotions. Both teams were mobilized, playing hard with a great desire for victory. The spectator becomes a witness of the match with a fluid game with attacks and counterattacks. The kavaja’s visitors left the “cic-mic” and the numerous endless passes. Locals persevere more and miss two or three good chances to score. In the 18th minute, the locals score with Llambi after a quick counterattack. 17 Nentori also lost some chances through Dizdari…Hyka e Llambi also lost clean chances, closing the first 45 minutes 1-0 in their favor. On the contrary, in the second half, the pace of the game dropped, perhaps because energy was spent in an irrational manner in the first half. The game became messy and was limited to only a few beautiful pieces, even the deductions were “ralle dhe per malle” (very rare to miss you to get nostalgic). So after the end of the 90 minutes, the locals get two valuable points, maintaining the distance from Vllaznia and Partizani, as well as deepening it with Dinamo restrained in Elbasan. To mention, there are two reactions of the players from the capital, Frasheri makes a mistake towards the opponent and asks for forgiveness, while the second stands out with the arrogant and abusive behavior of Hyka, who complains and protests endlessly to the referee (and strangely it seems that a tradition will to be created in this team where special players have transmitted to each other for generations unpleasant behavior worthy of professional athletes).

Second phase: Weeks 14-16
Figures, facts, comparisons.

The second phase starts with these statistics:

During the first phase of the 26th football championship, a total of 205 goals were scored, or ten more than during the same period last year. The classification table was led by
“17 Nentori” with 22 points, one more than Dinamo who led last season.
In the 13 games of the first phase, six penalties were awarded, five of which were successfully completed, the 6th penalty, footballer Cela of Flamurtari was unable to convert it into a goal, as the Shkodran goalkeeper Ndoja denied it. This number of penalties is equal to that of the first phase last season.

While the sixth penalty of the last season belonged to the meeting Partizani-17 Nentori and was missed by the best scorer of the last year, Hyka.

Blloku of ” Studenti”, Disha of Lokomotiva, Mullaliu of Besa and Gjoni of “Shkendia” have had the bad luck to score in their goal. The same number of own goals were scored in the last season. After 1280 minutes of play, the Studenti team who is at the bottom of the classification table with two points, has not yet felt the taste of victory. Whereas Luftetari had 1 win and 4 draws in the first phase of the last season, so 6 points. Labinoti has the largest number of draws with 8 such.

At the top of the list of the best goal scorers is the striker of Dinamo, Pernaska with 10 goals. After him, comes Pano with 7, Merhori, Curi and Ceco 6, Hyka, Pagria, Zeri and Puka 5 goals, etc.

The team that scored the fewest goals is Vllaznia with a positive goal average of 20-6, while Tomorri has a negative one with 8-30.

In the first phase of last season, Partizani had the best goal average 26-6, while Luftetari had the negative 7-23. The difference in points between the leading team in the ranking table and the last place that closes this ranking is 20, exactly 5 more than what it was during the same period last year

Week 14 January 30, 1972.

Labinoti – Shkendija.
Ties continue for Labinoti who ranks 9th. Shkendija took 3 points from Elbasan, two in the first phase and one now. It was right to think that the match between them would be strong because that’s what happened and this is to the credit of both sides. Shkendise’s goal was scored by Vasillaq Zeri, who with Dinamo would become one of the most dangerous attackers and the biggest names in Albanian football.

Luftetari – Dinamo.
In Gjirokaster Luftetari starts the second phase well in the match against Dinamo. With all the difficult terrain, both teams play a lively game and interesting phases. Dinamo went on the attack in the first minutes, but the attacks organized by Ceco and Pernaska were weak and easily broken by the defenders of Luftetari. As the minutes passed, the locals recovered, but without being able to conclude because the attackers played an individual game. The second half was better even for the fact that two goals were scored. The first move to the visitor’s advantage through Ceco in the min. 77th, but their joy did not last long, because after five minutes, Vaso equalized the score at 1-1 with a heavy shot!

Partizani – Studenti.
In Tirana, with all the difficult terrain and the rain that fell for almost 90minutes, the meeting that took place on Sunday morning at the Dinamo stadium, was followed with interest by hundreds of sports fans. Studenti made a strong resistance to Partizan, forcing it to sweat a lot to ensure the victory. The transition to advantage with Nakici’s side as well as their careful play made the first half end 1-0 in their favor. In the second half, the game takes on a different look as it is the Partizan players who take the reins of the game and build a series of dangerous descents. Thus, without even passing 4 minutes, it is Cani who, with a quick and timely intervention, equalizes the result 1-1. After the draw, everything is talking about Partizan, who moved the game to the Student’s half-field, where he persistently continued to exert pressure and as a result scored two more goals with a header by Pano in the 71st and Kalluci in the 73rd. Final score, 3-1!

The 14th week. Aspects from the match November 17 – Flamurtari 2-2

“17 Nentori” – Flamurtari.
In the national stadium “Qemal Stafa” in the capital, the forces between “17 Nentori” and Flamurtari are measured. The match ended in a 2-2 draw. Mema and Hatibi scored for the locals, respectively, in the 31st and 89th minutes, while Haxhiu scored for the Vlora in the 63rd and 85th minutes. Regardless of the result, “17 Nentori”, played better, created more chances to score and for several minutes they concentrated the game in the half-field of Flamurtari but his attackers did not know how to take advantage of the opportunities that were created due to the few shots and the shape of the team. Well done, to the Vlora`s goalkeeper Sulo. Not even the 20 corners were of any use 17 Nentori. The equalizing goal, came as the result of a determined effort by Hatibi, who gave the team the opportunity to keep the loss column intact. Flamurtari had an incomplete start that continued throughout the first half. The team appeared unorganized without strong ties between the departments. In the second half, through quick counterattacks, they scored two goals and then made a mistake by retreating into defense to save the result, giving “17 Nentori” the opportunity to attack. More was expected from Flamurtari. Kazanxhi and Laze were banished from the field.

Vllaznia – Tomorri.
In Shkodër, Vllaznia, on a difficult terrain made heavy by rain and hail that did not stop during the 90 minutes, scored the heaviest victory of this week, defeating Tomorri 5-0. The first 45 minutes were at a satisfactory level developed at a high pace where both teams played hard overcoming the difficulties of the time. The only goal of this part was scored by Rakiqi in the 29th minute, hitting the ball with his head from a difficult position. To be mentioned is also the post hit by C. Ndoja as well as a rather difficult reception by the beratas goalkeeper Ramenica. The second half, although it did not have the characteristics of the first, was of a weaker level and more goals were scored. This is how Hoxha (62′), Kocobashi (68′), and Rakiqi scored again with two more goals in the 74th and 80th minutes, thus becoming the author of three goals for the Shkodra team in the current promotion. In general, Tomorri’s visitor team played a tough game and referee Caslli (of the international category) rightfully kicked out from the field Ahmeti for improper behavior towards Bizi. Ramenica’s attitude towards the side judge G. Sheshi is also inappropriate. In the commentary of the week for the matches played, we also find those of the evaluations for the referees who judged these matches. This is how good words are said for the capital trio in Durres, mainly Haxhi Pellumbi, and flaws such as F. Pupa’s in the
17 Nentori – Flamurtari meeting, and T. Kalaci’s in the Labinoti-Shkendia meeting.

From time to time during this championship, attention has been drawn to weaknesses in the judgments, and yet they continue even causing protests from the football players and disapproval of the public. In addition to the educational work with the players in order to maintain a correct attitude on the field, there is also a need for more strengthening of the technical-professional education of the referees and their physical preparation to follow the game closely, as a condition for avoiding mistakes.

In Korce, Skenderbeu – Besa end their challenge with intact nets 0-0, despite the efforts of both sides, thus separating both teams in a peaceful way by one point.

Lokomotiva – Traktori. In Durres, Traktori gets a valuable point from Lokomotiva, which plays well in the first half and even scores quickly in the 7th minute through Leshteni. Durresakes increases the efforts to deepen the result but without fruit. On the contrary, in the second half, the home team’s game is weak, which benefits Traktori, who entered this half more mobilized, exerting pressure from the first minutes. And so in the 61st minute Sefa seals 1-1! Despite the rain and hail that fell throughout the second half, both teams played a strong and manly game.

Week 15

After the matches played this week, the situation in the ranking is this:
“17 Nentori” leads with 25 points (26-8 goal difference). Partizan is second with 23 points and right behind it is Vllaznia with 22 points. Dinamo is in the 4th place with 20 points and it seems that it is out of the possibility of winning the championship title.

At the bottom of the ranking table are Traktori, Tomorri and Luftetari who continue the battle of survival in the first category.

Dinamo – Vllaznia.
The match of the card, of course, was the one at the national stadium “Qemal Stafa” between the local Dinamo and Vllaznia of Shkodra, which ended in a 1-1 draw.

February 6, 1972

Based on the fact that both teams claim first place in the ranking, the victory at this moment of the championship is “expensive” and the objectives of both teams were of course quite different from the match held in Shkoder in the first phase. In general, the game was developed with stages of raising and lowering level. Thus, in the first half, the pace was higher than both teams, even though Dinamo acted more tactically. Dinamo will seriously threaten Shkodra goal protected by goalkeeper Ndoja in an excellent sporting shape. Here we can mention a series of cases: Pernaska in the 7th minute, Cutra in the 14th and 16th minutes, Xhafa’s bomb shot after a long incursion of 40 meters where Ndoja avoided it in an acrobatic way. The game maintains these characteristics until the 70th minute. Then the goals of both teams become clear, Dinamo’s efforts to equalize the result 0-1 and the goals of the Shkodran players to protect the advantage achieved in the 49th minute by Kocobashi after a “dry” and surprising shot, forced the goalkeeper of Dinamo Ahmedani to take the ball out of the net. This is where the superiority of the locals started, focusing their game in the Vllaznia half-field. Continuous pressure, framing in the attack of all players brought the crowning of Dinamo. Seven minutes before the end, Pernaska scores, thus spoiling shkodran’s goal to win the match. It must be said that both teams, in order to secure the victory, started the game by correctly evaluating both the attack and the defense, and this evaluation remained until the 70th minute because after that there was only a scheme on paper, while in practice the rigid schematic game expressed in the loyalty of the defense and midfield players to the control post of the opponents …. the spectator did not see a dynamic match, more elastic and with more prominent features of the football of the time.

Tomorri – Partizani.
The match played in Berat between Tomorri and the defending champion Partizan had pace, strength and only… 1 goal. Compared to the previous matches, the locals played better, they attacked the goal of the visitors, who had to sweat a lot until they got the well-deserved victory. Thus, in the first half, both teams attacked densely, but the Partizan players were more dangerous in their descents, although this part of the game ended with the nets intact. In the second half, the locals tried to attack to get the advantage, but Partizan achieved this goal. In the 66th minute, Pano hit the net from close range. Tomorri continues his efforts to equalize by exerting pressure on the goal protected by Lelaj, even in one case the visitor`s goalkeeper received the ball close to the goal line, but the result remained 1-0 for Partizan. In addition, visitors had the opportunity to deepen the advantage when the referee awarded an 11-meter penalty in their favor. The ball shot by Pano hit the post of the Tomori`s goal and returned to the field.

17 Nentori – Studenti.
“17 Nentori”, scored 5 goals against Studenti. The current leaders had the upper hand throughout the match and made good use of the created opportunities. Three goals were scored by A. Mema, Cela e Xhacka, and the whole match ends 5-0.
“17 Nentori” continues to be the only team that leads without defeat in this championship. Its antithesis continues to remain “Studenti” who has not yet won a single match, which even in this match presented itself weakly, without strength and conclusive power.

Flamurtari – Skenderbeu.
In Vlora, Flamurtari has an superiority over their visitors from Korca, both in the first half and in the second, but the result did not change and remained the same as the beginning 0-0.

Lokomotiva – Labinoti.
The meeting between Lokomotiva and Labinoti took place on a rain-soaked ground, but it did not prevent the teams from developing a mobilized game and beautiful football. Durresakes with the duo Leshteni – Aliaj threaten the Elbasan goal of Bakalli, Aliaj stumbles in the area and the referee Caslli signals 11-meters but Lilo is unable to score by hitting the post. What the locals couldn’t do, the visitors did through Ibershimi in the 16th minute, also with a penalty caused by Kalaja. The game is livened up, Durres team in the decisive moments are busy, while Labinoti works better with his wings and pays attention to the defense. In the second half, Lokomotiva does everything possible to equalize the result. Labinoti leaves the attack and returns to defense, but without giving up the quick counterattacks, where in one of these Gjika hits the post of Bellaku’s goal. However, Lokomotiva plays better, clearly, its attack connects better, and the fruits of this game are not delayed when Leshteni draws 1-1. Labinoti who was physically prepared but went on the attack. Lokomotiva was centered in the midfield. Aliaj was one of the best players in the field.

Traktori – Besa.
In Lushnje, the match between the local Traktori and Besa of Kavaja, followed with interest by a record number of spectators, was of a satisfactory level. The first were the locals who took the lead through Haxhiu in the 7th minute and Besa equalized the result and the whole game only in the 81st minute through Dyla. A match that Traktori played better and was very close to victory. Lushnja players exerted pressure throughout the match, threatened Feshti’s goal several times and forced the visitors defense to be careful. Besa, for its part, had to play this match better, especially regarding the organization of discounts.

Shkendija – Luftetari.
Meanwhile, in the “Dinamo” stadium, Shkendija team beat Luftetari 4-0, all four goals scored in the second half after the visitors from Gjirokaster appeared tired after the first 45 minutes played by both teams with some rhythm, organization and circulation of the ball but also with a lot of passes without address. Shkendija fully deserved the victory.

Week 16

February 13, 1972.
A coincidence! This week, 16 goals were scored, as many as the matches played so far in this championship! The deepest victories were achieved from “17 Nentori” and Vllaznia, which respectively beat Tomori 4-1 and Shkendija 4-2 in their cities.

Another coincidence is the same goal average of these two teams, 30-9! The only difference is that “17 Nentori” takes the first place with 27 points while Vllaznia, three points behind with 24. Of the contenders, Partizan, the reigning champion, “released” two valuable points after losing to Dinamo 0-1 in their direct meeting. The teams of Besa, Labinoti, Skenderbeu and Lokomotiva won two points with one goal each. With the exception of Lokomotiva`s 11 formation, the others were hosts. Flamurtari remained in the quota of 15 points, while Traktori is one step below. Preoccupying is the situation of Tomori, Studenti and Luftetari which lost again and closing the classification table with a negative goal average and few points in their “pocket”!

The classification after the 16th week and photos from the match Partizani – Dinamo. Partizan’s goalkeeper Lelaj

Partizani – Dinamo.
The match of the card was of course Partizan – Dinamo (0-1) which was attended by a record number of spectators. Dinamo won the match with the goal scored by Hafizi in the 1st minute. The other 89 minutes of the game cannot change this result. Dinamo did not remain at the mercy of this goal, on the contrary, there were chances to score but they failed to take advantage of them. Even though the pitch was rough, Dinamo showed up in a motivated game. This was seen in the first minutes where the goal came after a quick combination of Ceco – Pernaska that created a free zone for Hafiz to score. For twenty minutes, the game had a fast pace from both teams, regardless of the rough terrain. Partisan relied on Pano. Dinamo played well with a tight and combative defense and created several scoring opportunities, the most typical of which are those of Pernaska and Cutra. The only department that worked at Partizan was the defense, achieving the goal that the result was not deep. Dinamo’s victory was deserved.

Vllaznia – Shkendija.
In Shkoder, in “Vojo Kushi”, Vllaznia leads 3-0 in the 63rd minute. 14 minutes later, the result changes to 3-2, and brings laughter to the team and the Shkodran spectators, showing that in football, as in many other sports, victory is never certain even after such a result with three goal difference. In this segment of the game, Vlaznia underestimated the opponent, due to excessive self-satisfaction that was accompanied by a lack of control in the attacking area, with a lackluster game in the midfield and offensive line. This is how Vllaznia looked in the meeting with Shkendija. They scored three goals, one more beautiful than the other, and ended the first half with a goal from Rragami in min. 40 who executed a free kick from 40 meters. Then Kocobashi did in the 49th minute what he didn’t do in the beginning (because the post got in his way). The third most spectacular goal bears the stamp of Cesk Ndoja. He owns one ball passed from Bizi, and skillfully sends the ball into the net after two or three maneuvers. Meanwhile, Shkendija, despite being at a 0-3 disadvantage, showed that they have the strength to react and did this within 14 minutes, even with Fagu (63′) and Gurma (76′) who both scored with header. Naturally, the Shkodra team was not satisfied with this result and reacted by creating danger in the away team’s area and the visitor’s goalkeeper was not able to stop the fourth goal scored again by Rragami. In general, the game was lively, combative and enjoyable for those present.

“17 Nentori” – Tomori.
On Sunday morning at the “Dinamo” stadium, the match between the leaders of “17 Nentori” and Tomori took place. This match took place on a wet, slippery and muddy ground. 4-1 were the numbers of the victory of Tirana, with two goals scored in each part of the game and with the author Mema (hut trick) and an own goal by beratas visitors Dalipi. With the exception of the first few minutes, the game was of a satisfactory level. In the first half, Tomorri played better, moving the ball in a pleasant way, while “17 Nentori” made mistakes, especially in the direction of passes. The second half took place differently, the visitors lost terrain while the locals got up, increased the pace, connected their team and worked in a harmonious way, achieving a heavy victory. Rankings: “17 Nentori” in the lead with 27 points, Vllaznia 24, Partizani 23 and Dinamo 22. At the bottom: Tomorri 5 points, Luftetari 4 and Studenti 2.

March, April 2021

Link for the second part here: https://www.sportsvisionplus.com/1971-1972-national-football-championship-part-two/

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Sports Vision + / The Hour of Champions, in activity since 2013

References: Extracted from newspaper “Sporti Populllor”, personal collection 1972.