KS Elbasani 1–3 KF Tirana: Tirana Dominates Elbasani in Albanian Super League Clash

Elbasan, Albania – May 10, 2026 – KF Tirana delivered a commanding performance at the Elbasan Arena on Sunday night, overpowering KS Elbasani 3–1 to strengthen their grip on the Albanian Super League title race. The visitors took control early and never looked back, leaving the home side with little answer to their relentless attacking play.

Match Overview

From the first whistle, KF Tirana imposed their authority. Midfield maestro Erjon Hoxha opened the scoring in the 12th minute with a crisp finish from outside the box, after a neat combination down the left flank. Elbasani struggled to find their rhythm against Tirana’s high press, and the visitors doubled their lead just before the half-hour mark when Redon Thaqi headed home a well-delivered corner.

Elbasani managed to pull one back shortly after the interval. A defensive lapse allowed Ardit Nikolla to latch onto a loose ball inside the area and slot home past the Tirana goalkeeper, giving the home fans a glimmer of hope. However, any thoughts of a comeback were quickly extinguished. Tirana restored their two-goal cushion in the 68th minute through a clinical counterattack finished by Jasir Asani, who rounded the keeper before tapping into an empty net.

Key Moments & Tactical Story

Tirana’s game plan revolved around quick transitions and exploiting space behind Elbasani’s full-backs. Their midfield trio dominated possession and dictated the tempo, forcing Elbasani into defensive errors. The home side, by contrast, lacked cohesion in the final third and failed to create clear-cut chances aside from the goal.

• 12' – Hoxha opens the scoring with a low drive from 20 yards.
• 28' – Thaqi doubles the lead from a set piece, highlighting set‑piece vulnerability for Elbasani.
• 55' – Nikolla pulls one back for Elbasani, but the goal came against the run of play.
• 68' – Asani seals the win with a composed finish on the break.

Standout Players

For KF Tirana, Redon Thaqi was a constant menace down the right flank, contributing a goal and an assist. His pace and crossing caused problems all evening. Midfielder Erjon Hoxha controlled the game’s rhythm and added a well-taken goal. For Elbasani, Ardit Nikolla worked tirelessly up front but received little support from his teammates.

Table & Season Impact

This victory moves KF Tirana to the top of the Albanian Super League standings, two points clear of second‑placed Partizani with three matches remaining. For KS Elbasani, the defeat leaves them in ninth place, just above the relegation zone. With only a handful of games left, every point is vital for their survival hopes.

Tirana will now turn their attention to a crucial derby against Partizani next weekend, while Elbasani face a must‑win encounter against lowly Bylis to climb away from danger.