Albania draws with Bosnia-Herzegovina

Albania draws with Bosnia-Herzegovina

Published Oct. 9, 2010 12:09 a.m. ET

Klodian Duro scored in first-half added time to give Albania a 1-1 draw in a 2012 European Championship Group D qualifier against Bosnia-Herzegovina on Friday.

Duro scored with a free kick from about 20 meters (yards).

Vedad Ibisevic had given Bosnia the lead in the 21st minute, shooting from close range after a cross from Mensur Mujdza.

Albania was without its Croatian coach, Josip Kuze, who suffered a stroke eight days ago and was following the match from hospital.

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The host had a good opportunity in the 31st minute, when Hamdi Salihi hit the bar. Bosnia also had chances to win it, particularly when Miralem Pjanic twice hit the crossbar with free kicks in the second half.

"The team was united in its play and with a lot of sweat we took this valuable point," said Duro, adding that after celebrations they would focus on the next "difficult" qualifier, away to Belarus next week.

Ervin Skela, the Albania midfielder, said: "This is not the best quality team but (it has) the most positive results because the coach has created the winning mentality."

Albania stays top of Group D with five points from three matches. Bosnia has four points.

Lineups:

Albania: Arjan Beqaj; Kristi Vangjeli, Armend Dallku, Lorik Cana, Ansi Agolli; Andi Lila, Klodian Duro, Gjergj Muzaka (65, Gilman Lika), Ervin Bulku; Erjon Bogdani (46, Ervin Skela), Hamdi Salihi (85, Jahmir Hyka).

Bosnia-Herzegovina: Kenan Hasagic (46, Asmir Begovic); Mensur Mujdza, Adnan Mravac (46, Boris Pandza), Emir Spahic, Senad Lulic; Elvir Rahimic, Haris Medunjanin, Miralem Pjanic, Zvjezdan Misimovic; Vedad Ibisevic, Edin Dzeko (89, Senijad Ibricic).

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