Last Monday, the Ukraine U-21 national team played a friendly match in Elbasan against the hosts, the Albania team.
ALBANIA (U-21) — UKRAINE (U-21) — 2:0 (1:0)
Goals: Rashica (38), Kotai (90+5).
Ukraine (U-21): Dolhyi, Oharkov (Korniichuk, 75), Kholod (Kysil, 66), Melnychenko (C), Husiev (Krupsʹkyi, 46), Pastukh, Vashchenko (Varfolomєiev, 82), Tsarenko (Krevsun, 46), Husol (Matkevych, 46), Pyshchur, Slesar (Stepanov, 75).
Albania (U-21): Simoni, Fikai, Bashi, Ramai, Dreka, Kurti, Bruti (Dodai, 66), Alili, Shehu, Fetai (C) (Kotai, 85), Rashica (Tom, 66).
At the end of the first half, the Albanians earned a free kick about 30 meters from the goal, which they played in two touches: «Metalist 1925» striker Ermir Rashica completed the combination practically on the goal line. Despite the friendly nature of the game, the VAR system was in use — after a hint that the ball crossed the line, the referee confirmed the goal.
The Ukrainians started the second half more actively, and in its second part — after Stepanov came on as a substitute — they switched to a two-forward game. The closest to equalizing was Melnychenko, who tried from a turn from the goal area line, but right at the goalkeeper’s position. And already in added time, the hosts doubled their advantage — again after a set piece. A corner play on the left flank ended with Dodai’s run along the end line and a pass to Kotai for a shot. 2:0 — victory for the Albania team.
The next match for the Ukraine U-21 team will be in the Euro 2027 qualification (U-21) on March 27 against the Lithuania team.
