Sadiku double pegs back Portugal
Monday, November 14, 2011
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Albania 2-2 Portugal
Albania came from behind twice as an Armando Sadiku doubled prevented Portugal from closing the gap on Russia to two points at the top of Group 6.
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Two goals from Armando Sadiku pegged back Portugal as Albania twice came from behind to earn a point in UEFA European Under-21 Championship qualifying Group 6.
The visitors missed out on the opportunity to close the gap on leaders Russia to two points, despite goals in each half from from Josué and Wilson Eduardo. Portugal were on top for long spells and created more openings, but could not match the deadly finishing of the hosts.
André Martins had a clear sight of goal early on but could not find a way past Stivi Frasheri, though Josué capitalised on a mistake in the home defence to open the scoring on 20 minutes.
The same player missed an excellent chance to double the lead just after the restart and paid for that failure when Bekim Bala crossed for Sadiku to power in with his head. Eduardo restored Portugal's lead on 62 minutes, nodding a Martins cross into the net.
The visitors could not shake off Sadiku, however. The 20-year-old scored his sixth goal in five qualifying outings with 13 minutes left, rifling in after pouncing on a loose ball in the area. Albania survived despite having Eni Imami dismissed late on.
