The Kosovo national handball team played a strong match against the Faroe Islands on Thursday night at the Palace of Youth and Sports in Pristina. But Kosovo’s good performance was not enough. Kosovo suffered a defeat with the score 25:23, although it closed the first half with a one-goal lead, 13:12.
In the first half, Kosovo had a lead of 4:2. The visitors then applied strong defense and efficient attack, scoring four quick goals. Kosovo did not find a way to score for seven minutes and the Faroe Islands created a 6:4 lead. Until the end of the first half, neither team created a lead of more than two goals. But it was Kosovo that went into the break with a one-goal lead.
The second half started better for the guests. After 48 minutes of play, they created a lead of up to four goals, 19:16. However, the team led by coach Bujar Qerimi came back fighting hard, but without managing to get a positive result.
The Faroe Islands showed more in the end of the match. The opposing goalkeeper was responsible for this team not suffering defeat. He made some good saves and secured the victory for the Nordic team, which secured its second participation in a European Championship.
Drenit Tahirukaj was Kosovo’s top scorer with eight goals in 12 attempts. Following him was Egzon Gjuka with five goals, while Luigj Quni scored four goals. Drilon Tahirukaj had three goals. Captain Valon Dedaj contributed with two goals, while Bujar Ramosaj scored one.
Goalkeeper Haris Berisha stood out with a very good game, making five saves from 24 opponents’ attempts. Many of them were saved in the last moments of the match. Meanwhile, Faroe Islands goalkeeper Aleksandar Lacok made 12 saves from 35 shots, and was the most deserving in the victory. Hakun West Av Teigum had 11 goals for the Faroe Islands, while Elias Ellefsen a Skipagotu and Oli Mittun scored four goals each.
The Faroe Islands lead Group 6 after five matches with seven points, while the second-placed Netherlands have six points. Third-placed Ukraine have four points, while Kosovo remain last with three points, after one win and one draw.
Kosovo plays its final match away to the Netherlands at 18:00 PM, while the Faroe Islands play against Ukraine.
On Thursday night, the Netherlands won against Ukraine.
Kosovo was also defeated in Torasë on November 6 in the first match, 32:21.
The top two teams from all eight groups qualify for the European Championship, which will be held from January 15 to February 1, 2026.
The European Championship is also secured by the four best third-place teams from eight groups. Kosovo aims to qualify through third place.
Kosovo has yet to qualify for a European or World Championship with a representative team at the adult level. Success in continental or global events has so far been unattainable in other team sports as well.