Albania defeat Qatar in friendly

PFDC – MADRID, Iran’s upcoming friendly match opponents Albania have defeated Iran’s World Cup qualifying opposition Qatar 2-1 in a friendly match in Madrid on Tuesday evening.

After a goalless first half in Rayo Vallecano’s stadium, Chornomorets Odesa (UKR) midfielder Elis Bakaj made it 1-0 for Albania just a minute into the second interval.

Just a few minutes later, AC Siena (ITA) striker Erjon Bogdani scored his 16th goal for the national team side from the penalty spot, becoming the sole best Albanian international goalscorer ever.

PAS Giannina (GRE) midfielder Emiljan Vila had been brought down inside the box.

Al Sadd striker Yousef Ahmed’s goal shortly afterwards should be no more than a consolidation for Qatar.

Albania will now travel to Turkey to face Iran in a friendly match in Istanbul on May 27 whereas Qatar return home to take on Palestine in another friendly match before facing South Korea in World Cup qualifiers.

Iran will take on Uzbekistan (June 3) and Qatar (June 12) in World Cup qualifiers.