Kosovo's good performance is not enough, draws with Austria
Kosovo shone for 85 minutes against Austria. It scored through Fisnik Asllani and hit the post with Milot Rashica. It also had several other scoring chances. But it failed to hold on to its lead and eventually drew 1-1 with the Austrians, who played in the 2026 World Cup up to the round of 16. The match played on Sunday evening at
Kosovo shone for 85 minutes against Austria. It scored through Fisnik Asllani and hit the post with Milot Rashica. It also had several other scoring chances. But it failed to hold on to its lead and eventually drew 1-1 with the Austrians, who played in the 2026 World Cup up to the round of 16.
The match, played on Sunday evening at the “Fadil Vokrri” Stadium in Pristina, was part of the fourth round of Group B3 of the Nations League.
Austria remains unbeaten in its first four matches. With two wins and two draws, it leads the group with eight points. Kosovo is second with five points. Ireland, which has four points in third place, has played one fewer match, its game against Israel. Israel is currently last with one point.
Kosovo had chances in the first half, but the Austrians also looked dangerous on several occasions. Goalkeeper Amir Shaipi was in good form and was not beaten.
In the second half, the “Dardanians” again put in a good performance. Coach Franco Foda opted to make changes to the lineup and brought Fisnik Asllani into the game in the 66th minute. Asllani replaced Vedat Muriqi. Just four minutes later, after a good move by Edon Zhegrova in the box, the Hoffenheim striker scored. Asllani shot accurately to make it 1-0, scoring his fifth goal for Kosovo in 20 appearances.
The other substitute, Milot Rashica, who replaced Baton Zabërgja, also had a good chance to score. He was unlucky in the 73rd minute when he hit the Austrian goalkeeper Alexander Schlager’s left post. Rashica shot with his left foot, but not well enough to score Kosovo’s second goal. Veldin Hoxha also tried after the rebound, but goalkeeper Schlager reacted well.
Just before the match ended, Kosovo was punished and conceded a goal. In the 84th minute, Sasha Kalajxhiq crossed into the box for midfielder Christoph Lang. Lang headed the ball accurately and sent it past goalkeeper Shaipi.
In November, Kosovo plays at home against Israel and away to Ireland. Austria hosts Ireland and plays away to Israel.
