Skenderbeu Korca and KF Laci played out a competitive 1-1 draw in the Albanian Superliga at the Stadiumi Skënderbeu, with both goals arriving in a second half that swung first one way and then the other.

The home side enjoyed the better of the opening exchanges and were rewarded just after the half-hour mark, but Laci responded with a determined second-half display and earned a share of the points through a well-worked set piece. The result leaves both teams with plenty to build on as the domestic campaign moves deeper into its autumn schedule.

Match overview

Skenderbeu started with purpose, pressing high and forcing Laci into a series of early clearances. The hosts looked to get their wide players involved whenever possible, while Laci sat compact and looked to spring forward on the break. The first half was not short of commitment, but clear-cut chances were limited until Skenderbeu found a way through shortly before the interval.

After the restart, Laci changed their approach, pushing their midfield higher and committing more numbers to attacks. That bravery paid off with an equaliser, and the closing stages became an end-to-end contest in which either side could have won it.

Key moments

• 12th minute: Skenderbeu’s first meaningful effort came from a free-kick, but the Laci goalkeeper got across well to save.
• 34th minute: Ardit Hoxhaj opened the scoring for Skenderbeu, finishing low from inside the area after a neat cut-back from the right.
• 52nd minute: Laci had the ball in the net from a quick counter, but the celebrations were cut short by an offside flag.
• 72nd minute: Kristian Prenga equalised for Laci with a powerful header from a corner, beating the goalkeeper at the near post.
• 84th minute: Skenderbeu struck the post through a deflected effort as they searched for a late winner.

Tactical story

Skenderbeu’s 4-3-3 gave them control in the wide areas during the first half, and their midfield trio worked hard to win second balls. Laci’s 4-2-3-1 initially struggled to contain those wide overloads, but their half-time adjustments made a difference. By pushing the attacking midfielder higher and getting more support to the striker, Laci forced Skenderbeu to defend deeper.

The equaliser came from exactly the kind of set piece Laci had been threatening. Prenga’s movement in the box was excellent, and the delivery was precise enough to leave the goalkeeper with little chance. In the final minutes, both teams had chances to win it, but a combination of tired legs and resolute defending kept the score level.

Standout players

Hoxhaj was Skenderbeu’s brightest attacking outlet, combining sharp movement with a calm finish for the opening goal. Prenga was the game’s most imposing presence in both boxes and deserved his equaliser. Laci’s goalkeeper also deserves credit for a handful of important saves, while Skenderbeu’s midfield captain kept his side organised during Laci’s best spell.

What the point means

The draw keeps both clubs in the tightly packed middle section of the Albanian Superliga standings. Skenderbeu will be disappointed not to have converted their first-half superiority into three points, but they remain difficult to beat at home. Laci, on the other hand, will take confidence from a second-half comeback and a performance that showed character on the road. With the league table still compressed, every point could prove valuable as the season develops.