Sports Mole
March 29 2015

Result: Shkelzen Gashi heads Albania to 2-1 win over Armenia

Armenia rue a red card for Hovhannes Hambardzumyan as they slump to
2-1 defeat at Albania.
By Charlie Bennett, Reporter

Shkelzen Gashi’s header has given Albania a crucial 2-1 victory at
home to Armenia in Group I of the Euro 2016 qualification tables.

Armenia stunned the home side when they took the lead in the fifth
minute, as Henrikh Mkhitaryan’s cross was diverted into his own goal
by Mergim Mavraj.

The visitors almost doubled their advantage shortly after, but Artur
Yedigaryan’s long-range effort grazed the post.

It took a while for Albania to wake up but when they did, they really
threatened. Sokol Cikalleshi struck the post with a left footed shot,
before Lorik Cana missed a header from a few yards out.

In the second half Armenia were reduced to ten men when Hovhannes
Hambardzumyan was shown a second yellow card, and Albania capitalised
as Mavraj powered in a header from a corner, before Gashi’s header
secured the win.