Montenegro U17 2-2 Albania U17: Radulović rescues late draw in Balkan youth friendly

Montenegro U17 and Albania U17 shared a 2-2 draw in an entertaining international friendly on 25 September 2026 at Camp FSCG in Podgorica. The match provided a bright showcase of Balkan youth football, with four goals, several momentum shifts and a late equalizer that ensured neither side finished empty-handed.

Albania made the sharper start, but Montenegro responded well and eventually rescued a point through Nikola Radulović’s late finish. The game was played at a high tempo, with both teams committed to attacking football and willing to press aggressively in midfield.

Match overview

Albania U17 began with confidence and took the lead inside the opening ten minutes. Their front three pressed Montenegro’s centre-backs, forcing a turnover that led to a composed finish. Montenegro gradually settled, equalizing midway through the first half after a patient build-up down the right side.

The second half followed a similar pattern. Albania regained the lead just before the hour mark with a well-taken strike from the edge of the area, but Montenegro kept pushing for an equalizer. Their persistence paid off in the 84th minute when Radulović converted from close range after a goalmouth scramble.

Key moments

• 9th minute – Albania 1-0: Ardit Hoxha finished neatly after a high press forced a mistake in Montenegro’s defensive third.
• 23rd minute – Montenegro 1-1: Balša Vuković equalized with a low drive following a flowing team move.
• 58th minute – Albania 2-1: Erion Basha restored Albania’s lead with a curling effort from outside the box.
• 84th minute – Montenegro 2-2: Nikola Radulović pounced on a loose ball and scored from six yards.

Tactical story

Montenegro lined up in a 4-3-3 and tried to build from the back, using their number ten to link midfield and attack. Albania used a flexible 4-4-2 that became a 4-2-3-1 when they won possession. Albania’s pressing was effective early on, but it also left space behind their midfield line, which Montenegro exploited as the game progressed.

Both coaches made multiple substitutions in the second half, and the changes added fresh energy. Montenegro’s wide players began delivering more crosses, while Albania looked dangerous on the counterattack. In the end, Montenegro’s willingness to keep attacking earned them a deserved draw.

Standout players

Balša Vuković was Montenegro’s creative spark, scoring one goal and setting up several chances. Nikola Radulović showed composure for the late equalizer, and midfielder Luka Perović controlled the tempo. For Albania, Ardit Hoxha was lively throughout, while Erion Basha’s goal was the standout moment of individual quality in the match. Goalkeeper Andrea Lika also made two important saves to keep Albania level for long periods.

What the result means

This international friendly gives both U17 sides useful preparation for upcoming youth competitions. Montenegro will take confidence from their fighting spirit and ability to respond after falling behind twice. Albania will be pleased with their attacking threat but will review the late concession. There are no league standings at stake, but the match offered a clear picture of two promising generations with plenty of technical quality and competitive edge.