Seventh heaven for Besa

KS Besa have confirmed their place in the first qualifying round of the 2007/08 UEFA Cup after a 3-2 win against neighbours KS Teuta in the Albanian Cup final.

Seventh time lucky
The Kavaja side had been beaten in six previous cup finals before finally claiming their maiden success at the seventh attempt. Parid Xhihani put Besa ahead after just three minutes but Daniel Xhafa levelled for Teuta with a header from a free-kick. Amarildo Belisha scored before the interval to restore Besa's lead. Under-21 international Emiliano Veliaj then extended their advantage before defender Robert Grizha deflected Bledar Mançaku's shot past his own keeper to set up a tense finale.

Teliti triumphant
Xhihani said: "This is a win for all the players who have played for Besa over the years and I can't explain how it feels. It is also for my father, Vasip, who played for Besa." Besa coach Ylli Teliti had been in charge of the club for just three days following Vasil Bici's dismissal. Meanwhile, beaten boss Sulejman Starova is looking to join Besa in the UEFA Cup by confirming second place in the league with a win against KS Shkumbini on Saturday. "Besa played better and deserved the win," he said.