Kosovo drops important points, draws with Israel

Although Kosovo came close to scoring several times through dangerous attempts by Kreshnik Hajrizi, Edon Zhegrova, Milot Rashica and Lindrit Kamberi, it failed to find the net. In the end, the match against Israel, played on Saturday afternoon at the “Fadil Vokrri” Stadium, ended 0-0.

With the point earned in Pristina, Kosovo now has six points in the group, which also includes Austria and Ireland. Israel remains in last place with three points.

Ireland – Kosovo and Israel – Austria are the two final matches in Nations League Group B3.

Kosovo had strong support from the stands, while there was considerable booing during the Israeli national anthem.

Lindrit Kamberi, Zurich’s captain, made his debut against Israel. Kamberi was also unlucky in the 41st minute when he hit the crossbar with a header following a cross from Veldin Hoxha.

Hoxha also looked dangerous in the Israeli box. He did not score, but left Kosovo with one fewer player on the pitch from the 66th minute. Hoxha was shown a second yellow card and sent off.

Israel ventured forward on the attack only a few times. It was more focused on defending.

Kosovo had several very important absences for Saturday’s clash. Lumbardh Dellova, Ermal Krasinqi, Erblin Osmani and Valmir Matoshi were missing from Kosovo’s squad list, published by coach Franco Foda for the matches against Israel and Ireland. Albian Hajdari was another absentee, as the Hoffenheim centre-back recently underwent two operations.