Albania name squad for Iran friendly

PFDC – TIRANA, Albania coach Gianni De Biasi named a strong squad for the friendly matches against Qatar and Iran on Thursday.

The 22-man roster includes 17 foreign based players and is led by AC Siena veteran striker Erjon Bogdani (pictured) and Lazio SS midfielder Lorik Cana.

German-Albanian defender Mergim Mavraj of newly promoted Bundesliga side Greuther Fürth might debut in the upcoming games too.

Albania will meet Qatar in friendly match in Madrid on May 23 before travelling to the other side of the continent to take on Iran in Istanbul on May 27.

Iran will meet Uzbekistan on June 3 and Qatar on June 12 in World Cup qualification.

Carlos Queiroz named a 19-man squad for the games last week and was expected to invite further eight players from the three Asian Champions League participates midweek, but the release of their names has been delayed.

However, Queiroz meanwhile added 21-year-old Ängelholms midfielder Omid Nazari and Iranian U21 rightback Mohammad-Reza Khanzadeh of Rah Ahan to the roster.

Below comes the Albanian roster for the Iran friendly.

Goalkeepers
Etrit Berisha – Kalmar FF, SWE
Shpëtim Moçka – Apolonia Fier
Orges Shehi – Skënderbeu Korçë

Defenders
Andi Lila – PAS Giannina, GRE
Mergim Mavraj – SpVgg Greuther Fürth, GER
Armend Dallku – Vorskla Poltava, UKR
Franc Veliu – Flamurtari Vlorë
Ansi Agolli – Qarabağ, AZE
Admir Teli – Qarabağ, AZE
Tefik Osmani – Teuta Durrës

Midfielders
Lorik Cana – S.S. Lazio, ITA
Ervin Bulku – AZAL Baku, AZE
Jahmir Hyka – Luzern, SUI
Emiljano Vila – PAS Giannina, GRE
Hair Zeqiri – Çaykur Rizespor, TUR
Elis Bakaj – Chornomorets Odesa, UKR
Sabjen Lilaj – NK Lokomotiva, CRO
Gjergji Muzaka – Skënderbeu Korçë
Mergim Brahimi – Grasshoppers, SUI

Forwards
Edgar Çani – Polonia Warsaw, POL
Erjon Bogdani – A.C. Siena, ITA
Armando Sadiku – FC Locarno, SUI