Situma's KF Tirana bag the Albanian Super Cup

A late goal from Bekim Balaj allowed James Situma's KF Tirana lift the Albanian Super Cup for the 9th time at the expense of hosts Skënderbeu after a 1-0 win in a highly charged match marred with crowd trouble. The match served as a curtain raiser for the new season and pitted KF Tirana-Albania Cup winners and Skënderbeu who are the defending Albanian League Champions. 

Tension was at all time high even before kick-off with KF Tirana President Refik Halili calling for the postponement of the match after his team’s supporters were barred from entering the stadium but it took his counterpart Agim Zeqo's intervention for the home fans to oblige and let in Tirana fans.

Kick-off was also delayed for one hour. Eleven minutes into the match, center referee had to interrupt the match for 15 minutes due to clashes among fans. KF Tirana fans walked out of the stadium but police intervention restored calm and allowed play to continue.

Situma’s team mates Kerciku and Al Ajmi were constantly harassing Skënderbeu and after missing about four clear chances,Bekim Balaj struck in the 83rd minute to give the visitors another famous win over their arch-rivals.

After a layoff due to injury the former Sofapaka skipper, James Situma was back and part of KF Tirana’s first eleven. He contributed greatly to enable his team maintain a clean sheet. Situma had sustained an injury during a Europa League cup match against Slovak club Trnava.

The cup win will serve as a great motivation for KF Tirana as the Albanian league kicks-off next week.

© Michezoafrika 2011