Skenderbeu Korca produced a second-half comeback to beat KS Elbasani 2-1 in the Albanian Super league, with Endri Çekiçi scoring the decisive goal in the 78th minute.

Match overview

KS Elbasani started the match with real intent and took a surprise lead in the 12th minute when Ardit Hoxha finished off a rapid counter-attack. Skenderbeu Korca responded well to the setback, controlling possession and probing for gaps around the Elbasani penalty area. Their persistence paid off in the 38th minute when Sokol Cikalleshi found space at the near post and turned in a low cross.

The second half was largely one-way traffic. Skenderbeu pushed their midfield higher and created a series of chances, eventually finding the winner in the 78th minute. Endri Çekiçi picked up the ball on the edge of the box, beat a defender and fired a low shot into the bottom corner to complete the turnaround.

Key moments

• 12’ – Ardit Hoxha gives KS Elbasani an early lead with a composed finish on the break.
• 38’ – Sokol Cikalleshi equalises for Skenderbeu Korca with a close-range finish.
• 56’ – Skenderbeu hit the crossbar through a long-range effort from their captain.
• 78’ – Endri Çekiçi scores the winner with a low drive from the edge of the area.

Tactical story

Skenderbeu Korca dominated possession throughout, using their wide players to stretch the Elbasani defence and create space between the lines. Elbasani defended deep after taking the lead and looked dangerous on the counter, but they struggled to maintain that intensity for the full 90 minutes. Skenderbeu’s decision to push their full-backs higher in the second half proved decisive, allowing them to sustain pressure and force the winning goal.

Standout players

Sokol Cikalleshi was central to Skenderbeu’s attacking play, holding the ball up well and scoring the crucial equaliser. Endri Çekiçi provided the moment of quality that decided the match, while Elbasani’s Ardit Hoxha impressed with his movement and early goal despite the defeat.

Table and season impact

The victory lifts Skenderbeu Korca into the top three of the Albanian Super league, keeping them in touch with the early pacesetters. KS Elbasani remain in the lower half of the table and will be frustrated to have let a lead slip away on the road.