Labinoti, the surprise of Albanian football | The 38th National Championship of the 1983-1984 season!
Prologue!
In the city of Elbasan, located in central Albania without any tradition as a major title winner in football, a miracle was about to happen. Labinoti, a small provincial football team, was about to embark on a journey that would defy the odds and destroy the status quo. For years, the championship title had been the exclusive domain of teams from big cities such as the Tirana and Shkodra axis with Partizani, Dinamo, Vllaznia, 17 Nentori.
They were the giants of the Albanian football world, the most privileged ones their lists filled with star players representing the National Football Teams of various categories. Goalkeepers and defenders like an unbreakable wall, creative and imaginative midfielders like the conductors of an orchestra, and talented strikers, experienced scorers, all semi-professionals and of course they had special food treatment in their respective clubs compared to teams from other cities.
The years 1983 and 1984 coincide with some historic achievements of the representative Albanian teams “Shpresat” (U16), which eliminates West Germany and enters the top 8 of Europe; meanwhile, the National Team with a 2-2 in Poland and 2-0 against Belgium becomes a contender for the World Cup finals, Mexico `86!
Opposite them was Labinoti, who dared, an “underdog” team that usually floated between the middle and bottom of the rankings in the first category championships and that did not have any names called up with the representatives.
Labinoti players were “outside”, isolated and lonely and so they had decided to fight alone against everyone, just as if they were conveying to Albanian football the message of the legend of David against Goliath, the power of faith, the importance of courage, and the value of not underestimating the abilities.
The team was created in 1929 under the name SK Elbasani and later, “Bashkimi Elbasanas”, “Puna” and until the glorious name “Labinoti” in 1957, with which it will remain in history and memory as the surprise of Albanian football with the only championship title of the 1983-1984 season.
They played in a modest stadium built in 1967, with a small capacity of 13.500 seats consisting of a few steps surrounding a field which in places was bare of fresh grass, not to mention its condition on rainy days.
However, they were a diverse team of local boys, who worked hard and then trained just as hard while also dreaming big!
Front view of “Labinoti” stadium in Elbasan!
In Albania, football, although the most popular and most followed sport, is semi-professional. The players work just like everyone else and then after practice the profession of football players.
With the dawn of the new season, 1983-1984, experts and commentators were unanimous in their predictions: the big teams would dominate as had happened in every previous championship, which they would encounter some difficulties, but in the end, they would manage to discuss the title among themselves. Partizani, Dinamo, Vllaznia and 17 Nentori!!!
But here in this group of four giants, maybe would join Flamurtari, which had long since become a rival of the big teams.
What about Labinoti?
Labinoti, although not a great winner, had created a rich history until 1984, when it would be crowned champion for the first time.
The team had participated under the name “Bashkimi” in the first official football championship (after the war) which started on September 2, 1945, continuing with the editions from 1946 to 1950 (under the name Elbasani), 1951,1952, 1954, 1955 (under the name Puna); In 1958, the team returned to the first category (under the name Labinoti) to remain among the best until the end of the 90s.
Until 1984, Labinoti had registered as a participant in the First Category, three times 4th place: 1961 / 1963-64 / 1970-71; four times 5th place: 1962-63 / 1965-66 / 1971-72 / 1974-75; while in other editions (1958-1983) the team was mainly ranked in the middle and last places of the table;
Winner of the Republic Cup: 1975, defeating Lokomotiva in the finals twice (1-0). While in 1980 they lost the finals to Partizan (1-1 / 0-1)
Champion of the Second Category: 1958
That`s all!
Labinoti – The Winners of the Albanian “Republic Cup” in 1975!
No one would count, Labinoti….!
But the yellow and blue of Elbasan, apparently, had other plans, which even they themselves would probably not believe…
No one could have imagined that a perfect storm of determination, teamwork and pure luck was about to engulf the first category, leaving the giants one after the other behind.
Labinoti was on a mission to prove that, in the beautiful game, anything is possible…
The ball is round, and the game is never over!
The story of Labinoti becoming Albanian Champion for the first time is too good to be true! Before the start of this season, no one would have believed it, and people would even have laughed if someone had the courage to predict such a thing.
Even during the championship, most people had the impression that Labinoti, due to their lack of experience, would not last long and would not be able to make it to the end.
On the contrary, Labinoti, in contrast to all skeptics, managed to break the hegemony of the four teams that traditionally won the title, becoming the first Albanian champion team, like no other before, after 26 weeks, tiring, difficult and arduous matches, filled with emotions, tears, sweat, joy for every victory and of course with the bitter taste of defeat, during a balanced championship with 14 participating teams and with the value of two points for victory.
A championship with rivalry shows that in Albanian football during the 80s there are no weak teams where the big ones can win easily, and almost every match results in a final in itself, especially for the Elbasan footballers led by their coach Frederik Jorgaqi, who present a dignified, rational, qualitative football, with a physical-tactical composition in contrast to the beautiful, technical and attacking football that brought this season the disappointment of giants such as 17 Nentori, Partizani, Vllaznia, Flamurtari and even Dinamo who narrowly escaped relegation!
The fact of being a balanced and high-level championship was proven in the losses of 17 Nentori in Stalin City (Kucove) against Naftetari (1-2); Partizani in Tirana, also against Naftetari (0-3); Vllaznia in Shkoder against 31 Korriku (0-1) in week 13; Dinamo in Elbasan against Labinoti (0-2); Partizani in Tirana (2-5) against Luftetari in week 21st and against Labinoti 1-2…
Draws, 3-3 of Dinamo in Tirana against Naftetari in week 19; 17 Nentori against Tomorri in Tirana 1-1 in week 24.
* * *
The period 1984-1985 will be the time of the teams that will be crowned champions for the first time. Platini’s France, with Tigana, Giresse, Fernandes will win the first European title (1984) and a year later, 1985, just like the Albanian Labinoti, with the same uniform, yellow and blue, as well as Verona that will win the Scudetto for the first time in the history of the Serie “A” , the title of the most beautiful championship in the world of the neighboring country, Italy!!!
1
The Championship begins
The defending champions are the Shkodra team “Vllaznia”, which they won the title after the final game of the last season, snatching it from rival Partizan, who needed the victory but did not go further than a 1-1 draw against “Besa” after a match in Kavaja with lots of light and shadow, the result will later give way to controversy and suspicions of interference by a minister (M. A) of the Party in favor of Vllaznia!
But still Vllaznia with an excellent ensemble that it had created, they fully deserved the champion title even they, together with Partizan, finished the championship both with equal points, 34!!!
Last season, 17 Nentori was in third place, Flamurtari in fourth place. Dinamo in 8th place and…..Labinoti, ranked in 9th place with 24 points!
* * *
It is August 28, 1983!
The date when the new season starts and along with it the show “From One Match to Another / “Nga njera ndeshje ne tjetren” hosted by well-known journalist Ahmet Shqarri (foto below).
Labinoti starts very well with a clean score of 3-0, immediately reaching the lead, while from the four usual contenders, two win and two lose!
Difficult ones, however, are the victories of 17 Nentori (3-2) over Luftetari and that of Dinamo (1-0) over Besa. Vllaznia in Durres (0-2) and Partizani in Korca (1-3) they both fall.
In the second week, Flamurtari breaks Labinoti’s dream by defeating 3-0 in Vlora and together with Lokomotiva, who wins in Kucove, against Naftetari (2-0), they have taken first place with full points 4 each after two consecutive victories.
While the card match of the week is won by Partizani that defeats its historical rival Dinamo 2-1! 17 Nentori, doesn’t go any further than a goalless 0-0 draw in Lushnje against Traktori! Vllaznia, the reigning champion, loses again, this time 0-2 in Berat against Tomorri.
Week three!
Lokomotiva has built a strong team this season, with Hado and the two Ballgjini brothers, alongside are Hima, Kapedani, Filjari, Koka, Miha, proven that after the first three weeks it is the only one in first place, leading the championship with full points, 6, this time after the victory in Durres against Tomorri (2-1), but the Durres team will not stay at the top table for long.
Lokomotiva of Durres, one of the best 11 starters of the 80-ties!
Others: Flamurtari, stopped by 17 Nentori 0-0, losing the lead. Finally, Vllaznia (5-1) against Besa in Shkoder. With a goal from Mitrollari, Labinoti returns to victory against Naftetari, (1-0). Partizan’s victory 2-1 in Burrel against “31 Korriku” and Dinamo only 2-2 in Tirana against Luftetari. In third place there are 4 teams with 4 points: Skenderbeu, 17 Nentori, Labinoti and Partizan.
In the 4th week, the top table leader changes. Lokomotiva ‘s first place is now taken by Flamurtari, who wins 1-0 in Vlora against Skenderbeu. Labinoti, with another goal from Mitrollari and again with a narrow 1-0, defeats Lokomotiva in Elbasan and even ties the Durresi team with 6 points, in second place.
The mos important match of the week is Partizani-Vllaznia (2-1), with the reds also after this victory ranking in second place, with 6 points, the same as Lokomotiva and Labinoti.
The loss of 17 Nentori in Stalin City (Kucova), against Naftetari (1-2) and the draw in Lushnje of Dinamo (1-1) stand out, where the blue jerseys in these four weeks has shown weakness, ranking in 8th place with 4 points.
Week 5 is played on October 2, 1983. Flamurtari loses to Dinamo (0-2) in Tirana, while 17 Nentori beats Labinoti with the same result (2-0) also in Tirana. Lokomotiva cannot win against Besa in Durres (0-0); Partizani also draws 0-0 in Berat, making that after these results, the leaders are three teams with 7 points: Lokomotiva; Flamurtari and Partizani.
Behind them with 6 points are four teams: Dinamo, 17 Nentori, Skenderbeu, Labinoti! This week, the heavy victory of Vllaznia over Luftetari (5-1) in “Vojo Kushi” Stadium, stands out!
After the 6th week, the leaders are two, Flamurtari who won 2-0 against
“31 Korriku” in Vlora and Partizani with the minimal 1-0 victory in Tirana against Besa. 9 points each!
Lokomotiva seems to have lost the brilliance of the first weeks as they lose in Tirana (1-2) against 17 Nëntori who rises to second place with 8 points.
Labinoti has the same number of points after winning this week 2-0 in Elbasan against Skenderbeu! Labinoti, so far, has shown a form with ups and downs and maybe even they themselves would not understand the change that will come after this week. Dinamo does not go further than a 0-0 goalless in Kucove, while Vllaznia wins in Lushnje (1-0)!
It is October 16, 1983. The historical date that marks the turning point for Labinoti, who, after the victory in Tirana in the 7th week against Dinamo, take the top of the standings alone with 10 points!
Labinoti of the season 1983-1984
A match that will later result in the start of Elbasan as title contenders, as they lead 2-0 after an own goal by Ndreu and Luniku. Demollari scoring from 11 meters only reduces the difference to 1-2!
After Labinoti, in second place with 9 points each are Flamurtari, who was defeated in Shkoder 1-2 against the local Vllaznia; Lokomotiva, who defeated Partizan in Durres (2-1); 17 Nentori, after the draw in Korce 1-1 as well as Partizani!
In the 8th week, played on October 23, 1983, the championship entered an interesting phase and Labinoti will continue its journey as the leader.
Again 1-0, (Tafani) the Elbasan team wins against “31 Korriku”, enough to stay at the top of the standings, even two points more than second place, something that had never happened before in the history of Labinoti.
17 Nentori – Dinamo share a disappointing 0-0 in the card match for this week. 0-0 were the other two meetings, Flamurtari-Tomorri and Luftetari-Partizani; Lokomotiva falls (0-2) in Korca against Skenderbeu, and only 1-1 Naftetari-Vllaznia in this week where only 7 goals were scored!!!
The standings read like this: Labinoti 12 points, Flamurtari, 17 Nentori, Partizani 10 points; Vllaznia, Lokomotiva and Skenderbeu 9 points.
In the 9th week in Shkoder, the card game between Vllaznia and Labinoti is played, which resulted in a 1-1 draw. The Elbasan team continues to lead the standings with 13 points.
Partisan’s victory (1-0) against Traktori places them in second position with
12 points; 17 Nëntori loses ground, stopping in Burrel against “31 Korriku” (1-1).
Nice victory of Lokomotiva, 4-2 against Luftetari in Durres, which together with 17 Nëntori share third place with 11 points; In fourth place are three teams with 10 points: Vllaznia; Flamurtari (which lost this week in Kavaje 0-1) and Skënderbeu.
2.
Week 10 – 13!
The championship is already open for the title!
Everyone is now waiting for Labinoti to collapse, or so they think, but it won’t happen that way.
On November 7th, the 10th week takes place, where Labinoti after the 2-0 victory (Luniku and Agalliu) in Elbasan against Tomorri continues its lead with 15 points, restoring the difference of +2 points from the second place currently occupied by 17 Nentori who won in Shkoder 1-0 and Partizani after the draw in Vlora with Flamurtari (0-0).
Six goals are scored in the Dinamo-Lokomotiva match (3-3)!
“Dinamovites” are still in decline in 8th place with 10 points, while Lokomotiva is positioned in 4th place with 12 points.
The 11th week, which took place on November 29, 1983, turned out to be a round of surprises. Among other things, it marked the historic 3-0 victory of Naftetari in Tirana against Partizan!
This week, Labinoti also lost (0-1) in Kavaja against Besa; Flamurtari lost again in Gjirokaster 1-3; Vllaznia in Shkoder (1-2) against Skenderbeu, while 17 Nentori drew in Berat (0-0) and Lokomotiva was the only one of the pursuers to win 2-0 against Traktori.
But Labinoti remains at the top table with 15 points, regardless of the loss, followed by Lokomotiva e 17 Nentori (14 points); Skenderbeu e Partizan
(13 points)!
Two weeks to go before the end of the first phase. On December 4, 1983, the main match of the week and perhaps the entire first phase is played in Elbasan. Labinoti – Partizani.
The first to take the lead are the locals on the side from Arapi, but towards the end of this challenge, the voice of commentator Sefedin Allkja is heard intervening to take the line in the beautiful show “From one match to another”:
“Excuse me, colleague Shqarri!
Allkja continues like this:
“Partizan has so many protagonists …the ball went to Tomorri who intervened there in a scramble at the Elbasan goal, tying the match at 1-1”!
The other matches ends like this:
Dinamo-Vllaznia 1-1; 17 Nentori-Besa 1-1;
Flamurtari-Traktori 0-0; 31 Korriku – Lokomotiva 1-0;
Skenderbeu – Tomorri 1-0!
Thanks to these results that bring luck to Labinoti, who have dropped three points in two weeks, the leader does not change!
The rise of Skenderbeu in second place with equal points with 17 Nentori (15), followed by Lokomotiva and Partizani with 14 points…
Flamurtari, Vllaznia and Dinamo lose ground!
Week 13, the final of the first phase to determine the Winter Champion.
December 11, 1983.
Again, Labinoti’s followers fail, while the team of Elbasan draw in Gjirokaster
(1-1) against Luftetari, who, through Boni, equalizes Staceni’s goal with a penalty.
Partizani – 17 Nentori 0-0; Besa – Skenderbeu 1-0
Lokomotiva – Flamurtari 0-0.
Vllaznia, the defending champion, ends the first phase even worse, losing in Shkoder 0-1 against Burreli’s “31 Korriku”, the underdog team who came this season from the second league!!!
Wow!!!
Labinoti has dropped two more points and has three matches without a win (two draws and one loss), but in any case, the followers’ performance brings luck to the players of Elbasan team, who manage to emerge as Winter Champions!
Half of the way has been successfully completed.
Standings:
Labinoti 19 points, (8 wins, 3 draws, 2 losses, goal 17-10),
17 Nëntori 17 points, Skënderbeu and Partizani 15 points!
Meanwhile, the fight for relegation from the bottom of the table has begun: Naftetari, Traktori, 31 Korriku with 11 points and last, Tomorri with 10 points!
* * *
The year 1984 will start with the “Republic Cup”, its 31st edition.
16 teams are participating.
In the second round, Labinoti plays with Besëlidhja. The first leg held in Lezha was dominated in all directions by the locals, but it was the goalkeeper Gogunja who saved several difficult situations in his goal and 0-0 was the score at the end.
To record the surprise in the return, when no one would have expected it, the surprise is called “Besëlidhja”, which will eliminate Labinoti, giving a good lesson to the “Champions of the Winter”!
Beselidhja will win 2-1 in Elbasan, with goals scored by: Rama (B), Mitrollari (L) and Sokoli (B). A 1984 that did not start well, but that will not end like that for the people of Elbasan.
Beselidhja of the 80-ties!
3.
Second Phase!
Weeks 14 – 20!
The second phase begins on February 18, 1984. Labinoti understands that it cannot always depend on luck, and goes and wins in Lushnje 2-0 (Mitrollari and Bega), even though its pursuers continue to stop each other.
17 Nentori draws (1-1) in Gjirokaster and Partizan (0-0) in Tirana against Skenderbeu. Lokomotiva also stops (0-1) in Shkoder. Flamurtari wins (2-0) in Vlora against Naftetari and Besa against Dinamo in Kavaje (1-0).
Meanwhile, Labinoti maintains the difference in points at the top of the table with + 2, from 17 Nentori who has 17 points, from Skenderbeu and Partizan
(16 points).
The ranking appears narrow at its end. Naftetari, Traktori and 31 Korriku, who are fighting to avoid relegation, all have 11 points, one point more than Tomorri, who closes the table with 10 points.
It is February 19, 1984, when the 15th week is played!
There are two main matches of this week, in Elbasan where the leaders are apparently already familiar with the minimal 1-0 victory, this time against Flamurtari, and the other match in Tirana where Partizani wins with the same score against Dinamo 1-0.
For Labinoti now in the second phase, Zyber Bega, who came from Turbina, is starting to appear more and more as a goal scorer, where together with the interventions of goalkeeper Gogunja, they will affect Labinoti ‘s progress.
The victories of 17 Nentori against Traktori (4-1) and Lokomotiva against Naftetari 3-0 are convincing. While Skenderbeu does not go further than a 0-0 against Luftetari in Korca.
What`s going on with the champions of Vllaznia?
Another unexpected loss, in Shkoder against the last place, Tomorri (0-1).
Labinoti still maintains the lead with +2 points over 17 Nentori who has
19 points; behind them comes Partizani with 18 points, Lokomotiva and Skenderbeu with 17 points.
At the bottom of the table is now Traktori and Naftetari with 11 points, one more point has Tomorri (12 points); 31 Korriku and Vllaznia now have 13 points.
Week 16!
Again 1-0 victory for Labinoti, this time in Kucove, and again the scorer is Bega (67`). Goalkeeper Gogunja, has been keeping a clean sheet for three weeks, no goals conceded.
Labinoti’s followers, 17 Nentori who drew in Vlora (1-1) and Partizan who beats “31 Korriku” in Tirana (3-0) are three points behind the leader (20 each) who is suprising everyone. After them comes three other teams, all three with 17 equal points, Lokomotiva, Besa, Skenderbeu!
Dinamo, with the lost in Gjirokaster (0-1), continues to disappoint this season, in 9th place with 14 points. Same goes for Vllaznia, which also lost in Kavaje
(0-1), and now is in 11th place with 13 points, as many as Traktori and
“31 Korriku”, both are fighting for survival in the first category!
Naftetari remains at the bottom with 11 points.
In the 17th week, Labinoti travels to Durres where the team is hosted by “Lokomotiva” with a lineup that is perhaps one of the best in the history of this club: Maliqati, Sejdini, Koka, Cela, Jani, H. Ballgjini, Miha, Hado, Hima and Sh. Ballgjini, not in vain this season is among the contenders.
The game starts quickly, where both teams try to snatch the victory from each other. Something more Lokomotiva, but its players face the organized defense of Elbasan and a safe goalkeeper like Gogunja who collects the 4th week without conceding a goal. Thus the match ends “scoreless” 0-0!
Labinoti always leads with 24 points. 17 Nentori, defeats Naftetari (2-0) and is behind by two points in the distance. In third place with 21 points, Partizan remains, unable to overcome Vllaznia in Shkoder (0-0). Skenderbeu, after defeating Flamurtari 2-0 in Korca, is now in 4th place with 19 points.
Something is moving in the last places of the table:
The incredible situation of Dinamo and Vllaznia! The two giants of Albanian Football are alongside by underdogs “31 Korriku” and “Traktori”, who want to get out of the relegation zone. Traktori gets a goalless draw in Tirana against Dinamo, and together with Vllaznia they both have 14 points and continue to risk relegation!
The victory of “31 Korriku” in Burrel against Luftetari (2-0) stands out, who is currently moving out of the risk zone (distanced by one point) by accumulating 15 points so far, as much as Dinamo has!
Coincidentally, the 18th week is played on March 18, 1984, a date that holds a decisive match for the progress of the title contenders.
In Elbasan, right before the kick off the match, Labinoti-17 Nentori. The two team captains: Mema (17 Nentori) and Lleshi (Labinoti)
In Elbasan, Labinoti-17 Nentori, the first place against the second!
A challenge that has an extraordinary interest.
Everyone has their attention on this clash but, another goalless draw 0-0, for the leaders who stand out for their strong defense and the protagonist goalkeeper Gogunja who has now reached five matches without conceding a single goal.
From this draw, Partizan benefits after having defeated 2-0 in Tirana, Tomorri of Kovaci, Mile, Kokalari, Cilingiri, the Arben and Teodor Arberi brothers, equals with 23 points. 17 Nentori being now only two points behind the leading Labinoti.
Meanwhile, the relegation zone has widened this week.
Dinamo loses in Vlora (0-1); Vllaznia wins in Gjirokaster (1-0); Traktori also defeats 31 Korriku 1-0, results that bring an honorable situation.
From the 8th to the 13th place there are 6 teams with only one point difference: Vllaznia, Tomorri, Traktori, Luftetari all have 16 points;
Dinamo, 31 Korrikun have 15 points. The fate of Naftetari who drew at home against Skenderbeu (0-0), at the bottom of the table with 12 points seems to be determined!
The championship has reached the 19th week which is played on March 25, 1984.
Another 0-0, for Labinoti this time in Korca against the locals of Skenderbeu.
It is the third goalless result for the yellow and blue of Elbasan.
This week, they are lucky because of the loss of 17 Nentori in Durres (2-0) and the draw of Partizan (1-1) in Kavaje, which now becomes the only follower!
Labinoti 26 points; Partizan 24 and 17 Nentori 23!
Gogunja now has 6 weeks without conceding a goal, which makes 540 minutes.
The situation in the last places seems too balanced. Vllaznia, after winning against Traktori 2-0 and Tomorri, who defeated Luftetari 1-0, they both somehow avoided the danger, leaving behind four teams with 16 points each:
Dinamo, who achieved a spectacular draw in Tirana against last place
Naftetari (3-3); Traktori, Luftetari e 31 Korriku (1-1 against Flamurtari).
The top scorers are Bujar Hado (Lokomotiva) with 9 goals.
Next come Lika (Partizani) with 7 goals; Minga, Mema (17 Nentori) and Hima (Lokomotiva) all with 5 goals!
In the 20th week, Labinoti returns to victory after three matches with a 0-0 score! They achieve this in Elbasan while defeating Dinamo 2-0 with goals from Mirollari (47′) and Bega (75′). In the presence of 13,500 enthusiastic spectators, both teams played with these formations:
Labinoti: Gogunja, Arapi, Lleshi, Deliu, Rama, Mustafaraj, Tafani (Staceni 65′), Asllani, Agalliu (Popa 60′), Bega, Mitrollarin.
Dinamo: Luarasi, Meçe, Targaj, Ndreu (Mërgjyshi 37′), Kuqi, Delia, Demollari, Duka (Abazi 78′), Topçiu, Ikonomi, Marko.
Referee: V.Ikonomi
Spectators: 13,500.
Gogunja again keeps his goal net untouched!
Victory of the two closest followers, Partizan (1-0) against Lokomotiva in Tirana and 17 Nëntori 5-1 against Skenderbeu!
Labinoti continues to lead with 28 points, Partizan has 26 points and
17 Nëntori 25 points!
The dangerous zone of the table has this appearance from places 10-14:
Luftetari and 31 Korriku have both 17 points each; Dinamo and Traktori with
16 points and closing the standings is Naftetari 14!
4.
Labinot achieves its goal
Week 21-26
A week later, on the 21st, Labinoti travels to Burrel where they win against
locals “31 Korriku” 1-0 with a goal by Asllani in the 8th minute, after a very difficult match where goalkeeper Gogunja stands out and is on his way to a historic record!
This is the week of a heavy defeat for Partizan in Tirana, this time against Luftetari (2-5)!
Luftetari team of the 80-ties!
The Tirana “derby” match between Dinamo-17 Nentori is won 1-0 by the white and blue jerseys of the “nentoras” who now climb to second place with 27 points, three less than Labinoti who has the lead with 30 points.
Partizan slips to third place with 26 points.
The relegation zone after this week shows that Dinamo is in big trouble, remaining second to last with 16 points, while Naftetari after the draw in Shkoder (1-1) has one less, 15 points, closing the table after 21 weeks!
It is April 22, 1984.
Now in Elbasan it is the turn of Vllaznia to play to stop Labinoti. But not even the Shkodra team can do anything about it. Labinoti wins 1-0. And here it is again Bega, scoring precisely in the last minutes when we all expected a goalless draw. To mention is a big chance of Bushati of Vllaznia who failed in front of the goalkeeper Gogunja!
Now Labinoti has 32 points. 17 Nentori, after winning against 31 Korriku (2-0), follows with 29 points. In third place is Partizani with 27 points, which does not go further than a 1-1 draw in Lushnje against Traktori.
While the other two challenges for relegation from the category:
Naftetari wins 1-0 against Tomorri, escaping last place;
Dinamo only 0-0 in Korca against a strong Skenderbeu this season but not sustainable! The last three places in the standings: Dinamo, Naftetari and
31 Korriku with 17 points!!!
After the defeats of Flamurtari (0-1), Skenderbeu (0-1), and the draw of Lokomotiva (1-1), in the 23rd week, the hopes of 17 Nentori and Partizan, two already confirmed followers of Labinoti, were raised, right when the Elbasan team drew 0-0 in Berat against Tomorri.
The chronicle of the time shows that it was a difficult draw for Labinoti, where captain Ferdinand Lleshi, Deliu, but above all goalkeeper Bujar Gogunja stood out, they withstood the pressure of the locals, quite well, supported by an extremely passionate fan base. The clearest chance for Tomorri came in the 30th minute, when Perparim Kovaci, the outstanding striker, shot beautifully towards the angle of the Elbasan team’s goal, but Gogunja, in readiness, flew there, skillfully deflecting the ball into the corner. 0-0, which once again confirms Labinot’s strong defense, the best in the championship that has only conceded 10 goals so far!
“17 Nentori” wins 3-1 in Shkoder against Vllaznia and Partizan 1-0 in Tirana against Flamurtari. Thus, the difference of the leader from 3 becomes 2 points when there are still three weeks to go.
On the contrary, a lot of interest has been received by the matches of the teams fighting for survival at the bottom of the table. From the 10th to the 14th place the difference is only two points. Vllaznia, after the loss against “17 Nentori”, which returns to the nightmare this week.
Traktori, who gets a 1-1 draw in Gjirokaster, and 31 Korriku after defeating Skenderbeu in Burrel 1-0, all three of them have 19 points each.
Meanwhile, Dinamo, which did not go further than a difficult draw in
Durres (1-1), even though it knocked out Lokomotiva from the title race,
has 18 points but continues to remain in danger! With the loss in Kavaje, against Besa, Naftetari returns to last place alone with 17 points!!
The championship has now reached the final 270 minutes.
Labinoti has three more challenges left to confirm the championship title.
On May 6, 1984, on the green carpet of the “Labinoti” stadium in Elbasan, the locals in the presence of more than 15,000 spectators play against Besa of Kavaja who have taken to the field with this line up: Shkurti, Simaku, Karriqi, Çela, Xhihani, Idrizi, Kazazi, Pagria, Ramici, Shala, Mullaliu, Bajaziti and Duro.
Until the 88th minute the score is 0-0, but here the legendary captain Lleshi jumps beautifully with his head, scoring the only goal and achieving a 1-0 victory that has now become common for Labinoti who has now put a hand to the Championship Cup. Meanwhile, Gogunja reaches 995 minutes without conceding a goal!
His pursuers, who should not have made a mistake in the final steps, have lost ground. 17 Nentori in Tirana is stopped 1-1 against Tomorri. Partizan loses at all in Kucove (1-2) against Naftetari who has become a nightmare for them this season, leaving no more claims for the title.
Thus, Labinoti returns to the three points of the lead with 35 of them.
17 Nentori is second, with 32 points and with a faint hope of catching the Elbasan team.
At the bottom of the table, the danger expands to include places 9 to 14, two weeks towards the end where none of the six teams in this zone feel safe.
Vllaznia, Traktori, Luftetari all have 21 points each. Vllaznia won (1-0) in Korce, Traktori won 3-0 in Lushnje convincingly against Lokomotiva, while Luftetari, with a heavy 1-4 defeat in Vlora, is involved in the fight for existence.
Dinamo won 3-0 against its rivals in this existence, “31 Korriku” and holds the 12th place. Naftetari, although it won against Partizan, shares alongside with
“31 Korriku” the last places, 13th and 14th, with 19 points each.
May 13, 1984!
The penultimate week, the 25th, holds the decisive challenge for the championship title:
Partizani – Labinoti, favored more by the Elbasan guests, where each of their victories declares them champions one week before the end!
Everyone has turned their attention to this competition that is broadcast live by TVSH, led by commentator and sports journalist Vladimir Grillo.
Meanwhile, through the radio waves, Ahmet Shqarri hosts the now traditional show “Nga njera ndeshje ne tjetren”, where the greatest concentration will be given to the distinguished commentator, professor Ismet Bellova, especially for this competition!
The “Qemal Stafa” stadium is also full with the arrival of Elbasan fans to follow their team, and to be present on the most historic day for their Labinoti and for Elbasan football!
In an electrified environment, both teams take to the field under the enthusiastic applause of 12,300 spectators and under the guidance of the best referee of the Albanian football judging committee as well as the international category, Mr. Arsen Hoxha and his two colleagues, Papa and Toska!
PARTIZANI: Musta, Eksarko, Ahmetaj, Hysi, Ocelli, Rrapo (Lika 46’), Duro, Lame, Skuro (Çuçi 63’), Tomorri, Gega. Coach: Bejkush Birçe
LABINOTI: Gogunja, Arapi, Lleshi, Deliu, Rama, Popa, Mustafaraj, Asllani, Tafani, Agalliu, Luniku (Bega 46’). Coach: Frederik Jorgaqi
And here, in the 36th minute, Asllani scores for Labinoti. 1-0!
However, six minutes later, (42`) Genci Tomorri equalizes the match 1-1!
The ones who are happy now are the Partizan fans who escort both teams to the locker rooms at half-time! With the goal conceded, goalkeeper Gogunja will set a record of 1037 minutes!
Labinoti` s goalkeeper record men, Bujar Gogunja!
In the second half, the Elbasan fans continue to believe by supporting their boys without rest, who are playing well, organized in a strong, unstoppable defense, where the confident Gogunja stands out, Deliu, Arapi always more and more towards the attack, the energetic Asllani, captain Lleshi already in his mature phase who virtually directs his teammates, the tireless Tafani, Mustafaraj who shows his technical gifts, Popa with his freshness in support of Agalliu who is fighting on every ball, the fast Luniku and Bega who has the intuition of a real goal scorer.
And there it was, Bega in the 72nd minute scored a goal that will remain long in the memory of the Labinoti of Elbasan football.
Goal! 2-1!
Ecstasy of the fans, witnesses of a historical event, a dream that comes from afar, designed and turned into reality by the boys of coach Frederik Jorgaqi.
Labinoti, is the Champion of Albania!!!
37 Points; 15 wins, 7 draws and 3 losses, with a goal difference of 26-11 (+15).
The difference from the followers will be this:
+4 points from 17 Nentori, +8 points from Partizani, +10 points from Flamurtari and +12 from Lokomotiva!
A truth just like the sunlight that few or more precisely, no one would believe before the start of this championship.
The boys of Labinoti, newly crowned champions, greet their fans who perhaps still do not believe in this miracle!
Labinoti players celebrating right after their win in Tirana against the giant of Partisan (2-1)
It is their first title, but also first, in the entire history of Albanian football, the champion title had never before gone beyond the borders of the cities
of Tirana-Shkoder!
Here is why the title of “Labinoti” is the most beautiful, most interesting, most exalting, most achieved and most unique to remain in the annals of Albanian football history, but why not in the world one, where small teams manage to win alone against all the giants.
Rare and destined to remain long in every era of time, convinced that the first crowning of the champion for Labinoti will be remembered with nostalgia and be remembered more than the countless titles won by Partizan, Dinamo,
17 Nentori or even those of Vllaznia!
Meanwhile, the fight for survival in the first category still remains open.
After these results:
Vllaznia-Dinamo 0-0; Luftetari-Naftetari 0-0;
Traktori-Flamurtari 1-1; Lokomotiva – 31 Korriku 1-1, from 9th to 14th place,
six teams live with the anxiety of the final 90 minutes.
Vllaznia, Traktori, Luftetari have 22 points each! Dinamo 21 points.
At the end are Naftetari and 31 Korriku with 20 points each!
The defender Luan Deliu, celebrates with the Championship Cup
The Captain of Labinoti, Ferdinand Lleshi is celebrating with the Championship trophy his 1-st ever title!
May 20, 1984!
In Elbasan, the championship title celebration has already begun even though the locals, Labinoti, loses heavily 0-3 against Luftetari, which escapes survival in the first category.
In the last week, it remains only to be decided which teams will leave the first category this season, and everything else belong only to statistics.
Thus, the loss of “31 Korriku” in Burrel (0-2) against Vllaznia will prove fatal for the “matiane” team, which categorically leaves the first league!
Attention in the last week was focused entirely on the most interesting race between the two rivals to stay in the category, in Stalin City,
Naftetari- Traktori 2-0!
Now Traktori will have to play two additional matches with the second place classified in the second league, more precisely against Apolonia, the charming team from Fier that will still need a little time to wait to join the category of the best with players like Stefa, Majaci, Tole, Bita, Kokuri.
Thanks to the 2-0 victory in Lushnje on May 23, even though it lost the second (0-1 on May 30), Traktori celebrates its position among the best!
At the end, Vasil Ruci is the top scorer of this championship with 12 goals!
Thus falls the curtain of the 1984-1985 season, which coincides with the 38th edition of the National Football Championship (after the war).
“Labinoti” with the championship medals!
Now one thing is certain and unchangeable, that Elbasan has won its first championship title and will be remembered as “Labinoti”, the winning team with full merits for the 1983-1984 season!
The names of those guys who sound good as Albanian champions are these:
Coaches: Frederik Jorgaqi (1942-2007) and Dashamir Stringa,
Goalkeepers: Bujar Gogunja (1957-2022) and Muharrem Dosti (1964), Shkelqim Asllani (1963), Ardian Popa (1962), Zamir Arapi (1962), Luan Deliu (1958), Sokol Branica (1962), Sokol Gjuraj (1963), Ferdinand Lleshi (1956), Kostandin Rama (1961-2020), Albert Kaloti (1962), Kastriot Vrapi (1966), Vladimir Tafani (1964), Jovan Shegani (1961), Dashamir Luniku (1962), Zyber Bega (1961), Stravri Mirollari (1961), Roland Agalliu (1961), Bashkim Staceni (1959), Edmond Mustafaraj (1959) and Edmond Kela (1967).
© Copyright By Pjerin Bj
New York: March 15-25, 2025
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Vision +Plus / Champions Hour in activity since 2025!
Information used: The personal collection of “Sporti Popullor” Newspaper / personal notes
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