Albania women's national football team

The Albania women's national football team (Albanian: Kombëtarja e Femrave) represents the country of Albania in international football and is controlled by the Albanian Football Association which is headquartered in the city of Tirana. The team is affiliated with UEFA and competes in the two major professional tournaments, the FIFA World Cup and the UEFA European Championship.

This article is about the women's team. For the men's team, see Albania national football team.

Albania
Shirt badge/Association crest
Nickname(s)Kuqezinjtë (The Red and Blacks)
AssociationFederata Shqiptare e Futbollit (FSHF)
ConfederationUEFA (Europe)
Head coachArmir Grima
CaptainAlbina Rrahmani
Most capsLuçije Gjini (39)
Top scorerMegi Doçi (11)
Home stadiumArena Kombëtare
FIFA codeALB
First colours
Second colours
FIFA ranking
Current 73 Steady (15 March 2024)[1]
Highest59 (December 2013)
Lowest81 (December 2015)
First international
 Albania 1–0 Macedonia 
(Pogradec, Albania; 5 May 2011)[2]
Biggest win
 Albania 5–0 Armenia 
(Tirana, Albania; 21 October 2021)
Biggest defeat
 Albania 0–11 Norway 
(Durrës, Albania; 13 September 2014)

Women's football was long met with skepticism in Albania, and the first recorded tournament took place as late as 2007, before the FSHF formed the Albanian Women's National Championship in 2009, which is the only women's league in the country. The rise in popularity of the sport among women led to the formation of the Albania national team in 2011, and they made their debut in a friendly match against Macedonia that ended in a 1–0 win. The current head coach is Armir Grimaj, replacing Altin Rraklli who was in charge from the formation in 2011 until 2016.

History

The Albanian women's national football team was formed in 2011 and made their debut in a friendly against Macedonia FYR on 5 May 2011 at the Gjorgji Kyçyku Stadium.[3] The match ended 1–0 with Albania's first win and midfielder Aurora Seranaj scoring the first goal for Albania.[3]

Towards the end of 2011, the national team strengthened its squad with the arrival of football players from the Albanian diaspora communities, notably Furtuna Velaj, Dafina Memedov, Ellvana Curo, Elizabeta Ejupi, Arjeta Krasniqi and Arbnora Robelli. The national team ended the year with their second win against Macedonia FYR away in Struga. [4] The second victory against Macedonia FYR is currently the national team's biggest win.

On 15 May 2012, Albania faced Montenegro in Bar and won 4–2. [5] Three days later, the Albanian team won again with a rematch against Montenegro, winning 4–3 at the Loro Boriçi Stadium in Shkodër. [6] On 22 May, Albania encountered Macedonia FYR again, winning 2–0 with 2 goals from Suada Jashari. [7] The national team had so far been undefeated in 5 games, with 15 goals scored, and 6 goals conceded. On 29 August, The Albania national team participated in an unofficial football tournament held in Drama. The national team drew 1–1 with Amazons Drama[8] and lost 0–3 to Greece.[9]

Team image

Kit suppliers
Kit provider Period
Italy Legea 2011
Germany Adidas 2011–2016
Italy Macron 2016–present

Home stadium

The Elbasan Arena is currently the national stadium of the Albania women's national football team. The first home match in the country was played in the Gjorgji Kyçyku Stadium of Pogradec in May 2011.[3] Following the completion, the National Arena in Tirana will be the home venue of both the men's and women's national team.

In November 2013, Qemal Stafa Stadium was shut down by FIFA for not fulfilling international standards.[10] During the period of friendly games and the Euro qualifier with Greece in 2015, the women's team used the Loni Papuçiu Stadium in Fier to hold their matches. The Qemal Stafa Stadium held the match between France and Albania on 27 November 2015.

Results and fixtures

This Is the schedule of past & upcoming games for the Albania women's football team.

Legend

  Win   Draw   Lose   Fixture

2023
23 September 2023–24 UEFA Nations League Albania  1–1  Hungary Shkodër
17:00 Krasniqi 27' Report Fenyvesi 74' Stadium: Loro Boriçi Stadium,
Referee: Veronika Kovarova (Czech Republic)
26 September 2023–24 UEFA Nations League Northern Ireland  1–0  Albania Belfast, Northern Ireland
--:--  Wade 57' Source Stadium: Seaview Stadium
Referee: Zulema González (Spain)
27 October 2023–24 UEFA Nations League Republic of Ireland  5–1  Albania Dublin
  • McCabe 4', 26', 81'
  • Carusa 56', 59'
 Report
  • Doçi 7'
 Stadium: Tallaght Stadium
Referee: Lizzy Van Der Helm (Netherlands)
31 October 2023–24 UEFA Nations League Albania  0–1  Republic of Ireland Shkodër, Albania
18:00 Report
Stadium: Loro Boriçi Stadium
Referee: Araksya Saribekyan (Armenia)
1 December 2023 (2023-12-01) 2023–24 UEFA Nations League Albania  0–4  Northern Ireland Tirana
17:00 Report
  • Magill 43', 47'
  • Maxwell 58'
  • Bell 85'
 Stadium: Arena Kombëtare
Attendance: 600
Referee: Minka Vekkeli (Finland)
5 December 2023 (2023-12-05) 2023–24 UEFA Nations League Hungary  6–0  Albania Budapest
19:00 Report Stadium: Hidegkuti Nándor Stadion
Referee: Karoline Wacker (Germany)

2024
22 February Visit Malta Women's Tournament 2024 Albania  0–3  Belarus Paola, Malta
Report
  • Maliqi 35' (o.g)
  • Pilipienka 62', 85'
 Stadium: Tony Bezzina Stadium
25 February Visit Malta Women's Tournament 2024 Albania  3–0  Faroe Islands Paola, Malta
  • Berisha 9'
  • Istrefaj 60'
  • Tukaj 65'
 Report Stadium: Tony Bezzina Stadium
5 April UEFA Women's Euro 2025 qualifying Luxembourg  2–1  Albania Esch-sur-Alzette, Luxembourg
--:-- UTC±0
  • C. Schmit 68'
  • Thompson 87'
 Report
  • Gjini 43'
 Stadium: Stade Emile Mayrisch
Referee: Marina Zechner (Austria)
9 April UEFA Women's Euro 2025 qualifying Albania  2–0  Estonia Tirana
--:-- UTC±0 Report Stadium: Arena Kombëtare
Referee: Anastasiya Romanyuk (Ukraine)

Coaching staff

Current coaching staff
Position Name Ref.
Head coach AlbaniaArmir Grima

Manager history
  • Albania Altin Rraklli (5 May 2011 – 22 April 2016)
  • Albania Armir Grimaj (22 April 2016–present)[11]

Players

Current squad
  • The following players were called up for the UEFA Euro 2025 qualifying matches against Luxembourg and Estonia, on 5 and 9 April 2024.[12]
  • All caps and goals as of 9 April 2024 after match against Estonia.
No. Pos. Player Date of birth (age) Caps Goals Club
1 1GK Viona Rexhepi (1996-07-24) 24 July 1996 27 0 Kosovo Mitrovica
12 1GK Antigona Hyska (2003-06-23) 23 June 2003 4 0 Albania Apolonia Fier
16 2DF Luçije Gjini (1994-05-02) 2 May 1994 46 4 Albania Vllaznia Shkodër
6 2DF Sara Maliqi (1995-10-09) 9 October 1995 38 0 Albania Vllaznia Shkodër
3 2DF Arbenita Curraj (1996-07-28) 28 July 1996 25 0 Albania Vllaznia Shkodër
5 2DF Arbiona Bajraktari (1996-09-10) 10 September 1996 21 0 Albania Vllaznia Shkodër
19 2DF Matilda Gjergji (2003-05-21) 21 May 2003 12 0 Albania Vllaznia Shkodër
2 2DF Armera Tukaj (2001-05-25) 25 May 2001 10 0 Albania Vllaznia Shkodër
4 2DF Leonora Dedgjonaj (1999-09-14) 14 September 1999 2 0 Albania Partizani Tirana
14 3MF Ezmiralda Franja (1997-02-04) 4 February 1997 39 0 Albania Vllaznia Shkodër
11 3MF Megi Doçi (captain) (1996-10-14) 14 October 1996 37 9 Turkey Galatasaray
10 3MF Qëndresa Krasniqi (1994-06-28) 28 June 1994 28 4 Switzerland Basel
21 3MF Alma Hila (2000-02-02) 2 February 2000 25 0 Italy Como
15 3MF Gresa Berisha (1998-04-26) 26 April 1998 14 0 Albania Vllaznia Shkodër
22 3MF Mikaela Metalla (2002-10-22) 22 October 2002 14 0 Albania Partizani Tirana
8 3MF Markela Bejleri (2001-05-28) 28 May 2001 3 0 Portugal Länk FC Vilaverdense
18 3MF Klea Hamonikaj (2003-05-28) 28 May 2003 0 0 Albania Apolonia Fier
17 4FW Kristina Maksuti (1993-02-06) 6 February 1993 23 5 Portugal Famalicão
7 4FW Mimoza Hamidi (1998-04-28) 28 April 1998 17 3 Switzerland Basel
9 4FW Fortesa Berisha (2003-06-19) 19 June 2003 6 2 Kosovo Malisheva

Recent call-ups
  • The following players have been called up for a squad within the last 12 months and are still available for selection.
Pos. Player Date of birth (age) Caps Goals Club Latest call-up
GK Klesjana Spaho (2004-05-10) 10 May 2004 0 0 Albania Partizani Tirana v.  Northern Ireland, 26 September 2023
DF Aglia Iliadhi (2004-11-30) 30 November 2004 2 0 Germany Wacker Mecklenbeck v.  Northern Ireland, 26 September 2023
DF Bora Fucia (2004-04-08) 8 April 2004 0 0 Luxembourg Swift Hesperange v.  Northern Ireland, 26 September 2023
MF Valentina Troka (2002-11-15) 15 November 2002 8 0 Albania Apolonia Fier 2024 Visit Malta Tournament
MF Endrina Elezaj (1997-01-12) 12 January 1997 2 0 Kosovo Mitrovica v.  Hungary, 5 December 2023
MF Vesa Paqarizi (2005-03-02) 2 March 2005 1 0 Kosovo Malisheva v.  Hungary, 5 December 2023
MF Stella Toma (2004-12-03) 3 December 2004 0 0 Italy Fiorentina U19 v.  Republic of Ireland, 31 October 2023
MF Jehona Coka (2005-03-05) 5 March 2005 0 0 Albania Vllaznia Shkodër v.  Northern Ireland, 26 September 2023
FW Klaudia Borci (2005-12-19) 19 December 2005 3 0 Albania Vllaznia Shkodër 2024 Visit Malta Tournament
FW Djellza Istrefaj (2000-05-29) 29 May 2000 2 1 Germany SV 67 Weinberg 2024 Visit Malta Tournament
FW Esi Lufo (2001-09-10) 10 September 2001 9 1 Canada Rivers v.  Hungary, 5 December 2023
FW Maria Baska (2000-11-02) 2 November 2000 3 0 Albania Vllaznia Shkodër v.  Hungary, 5 December 2023

Records

Individual
As of 5 August 2021

*Active players in bold.

Competitive record

FIFA Women's World Cup
FIFA Women's World Cup record Qualification record
Year Result Pld W D * L GF GA GD Position Pld W D L GF GA GD
China 1991 did not enterdid not enter
Sweden 1995
United States 1999
United States 2003
China 2007
Germany 2011
Canada 2015 did not qualify6/613319856−48
France 2019 4/511326925−16
AustraliaNew Zealand 2023 4/6103161430−16
2027to be determined to be determined
Total0/10–––––––Total24942131101−70

*Draws include knockout matches decided on penalty kicks.

UEFA Women's Championship
UEFA Women's Championship record Qualification record
Year Result Pld W D* L GF GA GD Position Pld W D* L GF GA GD
1984 did not enterdid not enter
Norway 1987
Germany 1989
Denmark 1991
Italy 1993
Germany 1995
Norway 1997
Germany 2001
England 2005
Finland 2009
Sweden 2013
Netherlands 2017 did not qualify5/58008331−28
England 2021 4/58206721−14
Switzerland 2025 to be determined
Total0/11–––––––Total1620141052−42

Head-to-head record
As of 5 August 2021
Opponent Games Wins Draws Losses Goals For Goals Against Goal Differential
 Belgium 2 0 0 2 0 8 −8
 Croatia 2 0 0 2 2 10 −8
 Finland 2 0 0 2 1 11 −11
 France 2 0 0 2 0 12 −12
 Greece 5 2 0 3 6 12 −6
 Hungary 1 0 0 1 0 6 −6
 Kosovo 1 1 0 0 3 2 −1
 Latvia 1 1 0 0 2 0 +2
 Luxembourg 2 2 0 0 4 2 +2
 North Macedonia 4 3 0 1 10 5 +5
 Malta 2 0 2 0 1 1 0
 Montenegro 3 2 0 1 8 6 +2
 Netherlands 2 0 0 2 1 14 −13
 Norway 2 0 0 2 0 18 −18
 Portugal 3 0 0 3 1 11 −10
 Poland 2 0 1 1 2 5 −3
 Romania 2 0 0 2 0 6 −6
 Turkey 2 1 0 1 1 1 0
 Ukraine 2 0 0 2 0 6 −6
19 Countries411132739134−95

See also
  • Sport in Albania
  • Albania women's national football team
    • Albania women's national football team results
    • List of Albania women's international footballers
  • Albania women's national under-19 football team
  • Albania women's national under-17 football team

References
  1. "The FIFA/Coca-Cola Women's World Ranking". FIFA. 15 March 2024. Retrieved 15 March 2024.
  2. "Albania matches". Kirill. 16 August 2010. Archived from the original on 20 August 2010. Retrieved 16 August 2010.
  3. Fatjon Pandovski – Union of European Football Associations (UEFA) (6 May 2011). "Seranaj scores as Albania women make their debut". uefa.com.
  4. Sue Prior. "Winning International debut for Liz". Archived from the original on 5 March 2016. Retrieved 30 December 2012.
  5. "Montenegro vs. Albania 2 – 4". Retrieved 30 December 2012.
  6. "Albania vs. Montenegro 4 – 3". Retrieved 30 December 2012.
  7. "Albania vs. Macedonia FYR 2 – 0". Retrieved 30 December 2012.
  8. "Δράμα -Αλβανία μέσα απο το φακό". Archived from the original on 4 March 2016. Retrieved 30 December 2012.
  9. "Αυλαία στο τουρνουά της Δράμας (+photos)- Κόγγουλη "Καλό τεστ το τουρουά για την Εθνική"". Archived from the original on 4 March 2016. Retrieved 30 December 2012.
  10. "Sport.albeu.com – UEFA "djeg" edhe "Ruzhdi Bizhutën" e "Niko Dovanën"". Archived from the original on 26 May 2014. Retrieved 19 June 2015.
  11. Rraklli largohet nga stoli i Kombëtares së femrave, ja kush e zëvendëson
  12. "EURO "Zvicër 2025"/ Trajneri Grima grumbullon 20 futbolliste, Shqipëria sfidon Luksemburgun & Estoninë" [EURO "Switzerland 2025"/ Coach Grima gathers 20 footballers, Albania challenges Luxembourg & Estonia] (in Albanian). Albanian Football Association. 29 March 2024.
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