Kosovo experienced perhaps the most important event in the young country's life since declaring independence in 2008 on Friday. Three weeks ago, Kosovo was accepted into FIFA in Germany, at Frankfurt's "Volksbank" stadium, played its first official friendly match against the Faroe Islands team and achieved a 2-0 victory (1-0), lrytas.lt reported.
Historic first goal just before half-time was scored by Albert Bunjaku, while Elbas Rashani scored in the final seconds of the match after a counterattack.
From the 35th minute, Kosovo played with ten players, as the national team's star Bersant Celina, representing the English superclub "Manchester City," received a red card.
In the 80th minute, the teams became equalized as Bogi Petersen was sent off.
"Kosovo has a bright football future," said team coach Albert Bunjaku.
The match was broadcast live in Kosovo, which in 2014 was allowed by FIFA to play unofficial matches.
However, they were not allowed to play with former Yugoslav republics, as well as to demonstrate any national symbols.
In May, Kosovo became a UEFA member after a fierce vote: 28 in favor, 24 against. FIFA will soon decide whether some players will be able to change football citizenship, as Switzerland and Albania have no shortage of players with Kosovo roots who would like to represent the new country.
UEFA's headache - restrictions on Kosovo clubs, as matches with some countries' teams can cause unrest. To avoid this, Spain and Gibraltar, Russia and Georgia, Armenia and Azerbaijan are excluded in European cup tournaments and qualifying matches.
Kosovo's debut in the World Cup qualifying matches will take place in September.
lrytas.lt
