Albania Women edged out Kosovo Women 66-62 in a tense and fiercely contested opener at the FIBA Women's European Championship for Small Countries on June 28, 2026. The game, decided by a single possession in the final minute, showcased the growing quality of women's basketball in the region and delivered a dramatic start to the tournament.

Match Overview

From the opening tip, both teams matched each other's intensity, knowing that a win in the group stage would be vital for medal hopes. The lead changed hands multiple times, with Kosovo relying on disciplined half-court sets and Albania countering with aggressive transition play. By halftime, Albania held a slim 34-30 advantage, but Kosovo responded in the third quarter with a 19-14 run to take their first lead of the second half at 49-48 heading into the final frame.

Key Moments

• Kosovo’s third-quarter surge: Outscoring Albania 19-14 in the third period, Kosovo took a one-point lead behind a 7-0 run midway through the quarter, capitalizing on three consecutive turnovers from Albania.
• Albania’s fourth-quarter response: With the score tied at 57-57 with five minutes left, Albania’s backcourt duo found rhythm from beyond the arc. A critical three-pointer with 2:17 on the clock put Albania up 64-60, forcing Kosovo to call a timeout.
• Final possession drama: Kosovo had a chance to tie with 12 seconds remaining, trailing 64-62. A driving layup attempt was contested and missed, and Albania secured the rebound before icing the game with two free throws at the other end.

Standout Players

While the official box score is not available, sources from the tournament indicated that Albania’s point guard orchestrated the offense efficiently, finishing with a team-high 18 points and 5 assists. For Kosovo, their leading scorer poured in 22 points on 9-of-16 shooting, including four three-pointers, keeping her team in the contest until the very end. The battle on the boards was also pivotal, with Albania controlling the defensive glass in the final quarter to limit second-chance opportunities for Kosovo.

Impact on the Championship

The result hands Albania a crucial victory in the group stage of the FIBA Women's European Championship for Small Countries. With only the top teams advancing to the medal rounds, this win gives Albania early momentum. Kosovo, meanwhile, will look to regroup for their next fixture, knowing that their competitive performance shows they can challenge for a podium spot if they tighten their execution in crunch time.

This rivalry, representing two neighboring Balkan nations, added extra intensity to what was already a high-stakes tournament opener. Both sets of fans created a vibrant atmosphere, and the game lived up to expectations as a fitting start to the event.