In a stunning display of offensive power, AF Elbasani dismantled Tirana with a commanding 4-1 victory at the Arena Kombetare on October 29, 2025. This match, part of the Superliga's regular season, saw AF Elbasani capitalize on their recent form, while Tirana continues to struggle near the bottom of the table.
As the whistle blew, Tirana entered the match with hopes of turning around their fortunes after a disheartening spell of results, including a recent 3-1 defeat at Vllaznia Shkodër. However, it quickly became evident that the home side would face an uphill battle. In a thrilling first half, AF Elbasani struck twice in quick succession. The first goal came in the 38th minute, giving them a crucial lead. Just five minutes later, they doubled their advantage, leaving Tirana reeling before the break.
After halftime, Tirana finally found a response. In the 66th minute, they managed to find the back of the net, igniting a flicker of hope among their supporters. However, any momentum they gained was swiftly crushed. With the match entering stoppage time, AF Elbasani added two more goals in a span of just minutes, sealing their emphatic victory. Their fourth goal arrived in the 92nd minute, and a final strike just moments later underlined their dominance on the day.
The defeat leaves Tirana in ninth place with only six points, a position that puts them in serious jeopardy as they eye their next match against Bylis on November 2. Their struggles to score, evident throughout the season, have now culminated in a disappointing display that threatens to further demoralize a team already low on confidence.
Conversely, AF Elbasani climbed to fourth place with 14 points following this resurgence, affirming their aspirations for a top finish. After a mixed bag of results, including a recent loss to Vora, they needed this win to boost their standings and morale. As they prepare for their next encounter at Flamurtari, the momentum gained here could prove pivotal in their quest for league supremacy.
Reflecting on the pre-match predictions, I must confess to a level of naivety in forecasting a tighter contest. I anticipated a close match, potentially leaning in Tirana's favor if their forward could replicate previous performances. Instead, what unfolded was a masterclass from AF Elbasani, demonstrating their attacking prowess while exposing Tirana's defensive frailties.
With the stakes rising, the coming weeks will be crucial for both teams. Tirana must regroup quickly, seeking to harness the energy of their home crowd in hopes of turning their season around. On the other hand, AF Elbasani has positioned themselves as a formidable contender in the league, delivering a strong message that they will be a team to watch in the weeks ahead.