At the Stadiumi Demush Mavraj in Skenderaj, KF Drenica secured a hard-fought 2-1 victory over Gjilani in the Kosovo Superliga on 9 May 2026. The win provided a significant boost for Drenica in their mid-table battle, while Gjilani were left to wonder what might have been after a spirited performance ended in disappointment.

Match Summary

Gjilani came into the match with confidence after a recent upturn in form, and they started brightly, pressing high and forcing Drenica into early mistakes. The breakthrough came in the 23rd minute when Gjilani’s striker Albert Dabiqaj latched onto a through ball and slotted calmly past the home goalkeeper. Drenica looked stunned, but they gradually grew into the contest as the first half progressed.

The home side’s equaliser came from an unexpected source just before the interval. A corner kick was only partially cleared, and the ball fell to Drenica centre-back Arbër Basha, who volleyed home from the edge of the box to make it 1-1. The goal injected energy into the home crowd and set the stage for a tense second half.

Key Moment and Decisive Goal

The second half was a tight, physical affair with few clear-cut chances. Both sides battled for control in midfield, and it seemed the game was drifting towards a draw. However, in the 78th minute, Drenica won a free-kick wide on the left. The delivery was swung into the box, and after a scramble, forward Liridon Gashi poked the ball over the line to give Drenica a 2-1 lead. Gjilani protested for a possible offside, but the goal stood.

Gjilani pushed for an equaliser in the final ten minutes, but Drenica’s defence, marshalled by goalkeeper Armend Rrahmani, held firm. A late red card for Gjilani’s midfielder for a second bookable offence effectively ended their hopes, and Drenica saw out the win.

Standout Players

• Liridon Gashi (Drenica): The match-winner with a poacher’s finish from close range, his movement in the box caused constant problems for the Gjilani defence.
• Arbër Basha (Drenica): The defender’s equaliser was a stunning strike, and he was equally impressive at the back, winning numerous aerial duels.
• Albert Dabiqaj (Gjilani): Scored a well-taken goal and remained a threat on the counter, but was isolated as his team tired in the second half.

Season Implications

The result moved Drenica into 8th place in the Kosovo Superliga, easing any lingering relegation fears and giving the squad a platform to aim for a top-half finish. For Gjilani, the defeat was a setback in their quest to break into the European qualification places. They remain in 5th position, but now face increased pressure to pick up points in their remaining fixtures. This was a classic Kosovo Superliga encounter—full of passion, drama, and a late twist that left the home side celebrating.