Llapi Secure Spot in Kosovo Super League with Penalty Shootout Win
In a thrilling play-off match, Llapi secured their place in the Kosovo Super League next season with a penalty shootout win against Vushtrri. The match, played at the "Fadil Vokrri" stadium in Pristina, ended goalless after regular time and overtime, with Llapi ultimately triumphing 4-1 in the penalty shootout.
According to Koha.net, Llapi’s victory was sealed by centre-back Muhamed, who scored the decisive penalty for his team. Arbnor Ramadani, Arianit Hasani, Benjamin Emini, and Useini also scored penalties for Llapi, while Croatian goalkeeper Marijan Coric played a crucial role in the win, saving the first penalty from Vushtrri striker Urim Statovci.
The match was a closely contested affair, with Vushtrri dominating the first half and Llapi taking control in the second half. Despite numerous chances for both teams, no goals were scored in regular time or overtime. Vushtrri played with one less player on the field from the 100th minute, after winger and captain Daut Maxhuni was punished with a second yellow card.
As reported by Koha.net, the first half of the match belonged to Vushtrri, who had several good chances to score. Bujar Shabani had a particularly good opportunity, but his shot over the goal was cleared. For Llapi, Elvir Gashijani and Arian Hasani posed a threat to Vushtrri’s goal, with Hasani hitting the post in the 68th minute.
In the second half, Llapi continued to press and had several chances to score. Arian Hasani had a good chance to score in the 90th minute, but Vushtrri goalkeeper Arlis Shala made an extraordinary save to deny him. Shala’s save was one of several crucial interventions he made throughout the match.
The win marks Llapi’s return to the Kosovo football elite, having been relegated in previous seasons. According to Koha.net, Llapi returned to the Kosovo football elite in the 2015-16 season, while Vushtrri last played in the Super League in 2020.
The play-off match was also the final one for the 2024-25 season, with the winner securing a spot in the Super League next season. As quoted by Koha.net, Llapi’s coach Tahir Batatina expressed his satisfaction with the win, saying that his team had worked hard to achieve this goal.
In related news, Vushtrri will have to wait another season to return to the Super League. As reported by Koha.net, the team’s coach will have to regroup his team and work towards achieving promotion next season.
The match was a thrilling conclusion to the play-off series, with Llapi ultimately emerging victorious. As noted by Koha.net, the team’s victory was a testament to their hard work and determination throughout the season.
The final score was 0-0 after regular time, with Llapi winning 4-1 in the penalty shootout.
