The 2015–16 season was
Klubi i Futbollit Tirana's 77th competitive season, 77th consecutive season in the
Kategoria Superiore
The Kategoria Superiore, officially known as Abissnet Superiore for sponsorship reasons, is a professional league for men's association football clubs. At the top of the Albanian football league system, it is the country's primary football compet ...
and 95th year in existence as a football club.
Season overview
June
The
defender Erion Hoxhallari
Erion Hoxhallari (born 15 October 1995) is an Albanian professional footballer who plays as a left-back for Romanian club UTA Arad.
Club career
Early career
Hoxhallari started his youth career at Tirana. On 1 July 2011 he was loaned out at Aust ...
came back to Tirana on 1 June after a long-season loan to
Teuta Durrës
Teuta ( Illyrian: *''Teutana'', 'mistress of the people, queen'; grc, Τεύτα; lat, Teuta) was the queen regent of the Ardiaei tribe in Illyria, who reigned approximately from 231 BC to 228/227 BC.
Following the death of her spouse Agro ...
.
On 5 June,
Shkëlqim Muça
Shkëlqim Muça (born 19 March 1960) is an Albanian football coach and former player.
Playing career Club
He created the attacking trio Muça- Minga-Kola at Nëntori Tirana that was probably the best and most prolific attacking trio in the Al ...
was hired the new head coach of KF Tirana, replacing
Gugash Magani
Gugash Magani (born 14 March 1965) is an Albanian retired football player and current coach.
Club career
Magani played the majority of his 22-year professional career with Shkumbini Peqin, while also having stints at other Albanian clubs Besa K ...
who resigned after some poor results at the end of the season. The former Tirana player during '80s signed a three-year contract with the club. One week later, Tirana and
Kukësi reached an agreement for the loan of Muça at Kukësi for the club's
Europa League
The UEFA Europa League (abbreviated as UEL, or sometimes, UEFA EL), formerly the UEFA Cup, is an annual football club competition organised since 1971 by the Union of European Football Associations (UEFA) for eligible European football clubs. It ...
matches.
On 15 June,
Kire Ristevski
Kire Ristevski ( mk, Кире Ристевски; born 22 October 1990) is a Macedonian professional footballer who plays as a defender for Armenian Premier League club Pyunik and the North Macedonia national team.
Club career
Slavia Sofia
...
left the club and signed with
Rabotnički of Macedonia.
On 26 June, Tirana completed the signing of former
Austria international defender
Ronald Gërçaliu on a two-year deal.
On the same day, "White and Blues" signed
Dritan Smajli
Dritan Smajli, also spelled as Dritan Smajlaj, (born 12 February 1985) is an Albanian retired footballer who played as a defender for Kastrioti Krujë, Besëlidhja Lezhë, Vllaznia Shkodër, FK Kukesi and KF Tirana. As of June 2022 he is coac ...
from
Kukësi on a two-year contract as well.
On 28 June, Kavdanski signed a contract until the end of the season.
In the last day of the month,
Renaldo Kalari signed with the cross-town rivals of
Partizani Tirana
Futboll Klub Partizani, or FK Partizani for short, is an Albanian professional football club based in Tirana, that competes in the Kategoria Superiore. Founded in 1946, the club was historically affiliated to the Albanian army. Partizani's curren ...
on a free transfer.
July
On 5 July,
Lika
Lika () is a traditional region of Croatia proper, roughly bound by the Velebit mountain from the southwest and the Plješevica mountain from the northeast. On the north-west end Lika is bounded by Ogulin-Plaški basin, and on the south-east by ...
left
Vllaznia Shkodër to return to Tirana after three seasons, signing a one-year deal.
Later on 12th, Tirana signed with
Olsi Teqja
Olsi Teqja (born 27 July 1988) is an Albanian professional footballer who plays as a centre-back for Championnat National 2 club Chambly.
Club career
Bylis Ballsh
On 22 August 2011, Teqja joined Albanian Superliga side Bylis Ballsh. He debuted ...
on a two-year contract for an undisclosed fee.
During his presentation, Teqja said that the move to Tirana was "a dream come true".
On 16 July,
Masato Fukui
is a Japanese professional footballer who plays as a striker for Albanian club Kamza.
Club career Gainare Tottori
In 2011, he joined Gainare Tottori in J2 League, on 6 March 2011 he made his first appearance for the team.
Home United
In 2013 ...
signed with Tirana on a free transfer, becoming the first Japanese player to sign for an Albanian club.
Five days later,
Debatik Curri
Debatik Nazmi Curri (born 28 December 1983) is an Albanian professional football coach and former player who is the current assistant manager of Prishtina.
From 2006 to 2015 he was also part of Albania national team, collecting 44 appearances ...
signed with
Flamurtari Vlorë
Flamurtari FC is a professional football club based in Vlorë, Albania. The club plays in the Kategoria e Parë, which is the second tier of football in the country.
Founded in 1923, the club is one of the oldest in Albania, and it is also one ...
as a free transfer.
August
Mario Morina
Mario Morina (born 16 October 1992) is an Albanian professional footballer who plays as a forward.
Club career Tirana
2010–11 season
Morina made his début for Tirana on 3 November 2010 in an Albanian Cup fixture at home against Skrapari. Mo ...
left Tirana in the first days of August in favour of Flamurtari Vlorë after not finding a mutual way with Tirana for the new contract.
On 8 August 2015, Tirana completed the signing of
Gilberto Fortunato
Gilberto Valdenésio Fortunato (born 11 July 1987) is a Brazilian professional footballer who played as a forward for Singapore team Hougang United in 2021. During his brief stint with the club, he scored 4 goals in 8 games.
Club career Early ...
for an un undisclosed fee,
bringing back the Brazilian striker who left his mark in second part of 2013–14 season, where he became a fan favourite.
On 10 August, young forward
Florian Kadriu came to the club on trial, which he successfully passed two days later; he was rewarded with a three-year contract.
The next day, Gentian Muça returned from his short spell with Kukësi.
Midfielder
Erjon Vucaj
Erjon Vucaj (born 25 December 1990) is an Albanian professional footballer who plays as a midfielder for FK Dečić in Montenegro.
Grown up as a player at Vllaznia Shkodër, he has spent three years at Laçi, proving to be a pivotal player for ...
inked a contract with the club for an undisclosed fee after he became a free agent and winning the trial against
Flamurtari Vlorë
Flamurtari FC is a professional football club based in Vlorë, Albania. The club plays in the Kategoria e Parë, which is the second tier of football in the country.
Founded in 1923, the club is one of the oldest in Albania, and it is also one ...
.
On 19 August,
Alush Gavazaj was sent in a one-season loan at newly promoted side Tërbuni Pukë.
Tirana started the Kategoria Superiore campaign on 23 August, defeating 2–1 the newcomes of
Tërbuni Pukë with the goals of
Lika
Lika () is a traditional region of Croatia proper, roughly bound by the Velebit mountain from the southwest and the Plješevica mountain from the northeast. On the north-west end Lika is bounded by Ogulin-Plaški basin, and on the south-east by ...
and
Fukui
is a Japanese name meaning "fortunate" or sometimes "one who is from the Fukui prefecture". It may refer to:
Places
* Fukui Domain, a part of the Japanese han system during the Edo period
* Fukui Prefecture, a prefecture of Japan located in ...
. On the same day,
Entonio Pashaj
Entonio Pashaj (born 10 November 1984) is an Albanian professional footballer who plays as a centre-back for KFC Eppegem. Apart his natural position, Pashaj can also be deployed as right full-back or even as a defensive midfielder.
Club career ...
left the club and joined Flamurtari Vlorë after refusing to be a backup.
On 25 August, Tirana purchased
Dejan Karan from Hungarian side
Kecskeméti on a one-year deal with an option of a further one.
Four days later, Tirana announced the signing of
Elis Bakaj
Elis Flamur Bakaj (born 25 June 1987) is an Albanian former professional footballer who played as an attacking midfielder or a forward.
Bakaj began his career as a youth player for KF Kristali, before moving to Partizani Tirana. In 2002, he sta ...
, who returned on the team only three months after his departure.
He was presented to the media on the next day.
September
Tirana started the month with
Jetmir Sefa
Jetmir Sefa (born 30 January 1987) is an Albanian professional footballer who plays as a midfielder.
Club career Tirana 2005–06 season
Sefa is a product of the KF Tirana academy and joined the club in 2000 as a 13-year-old, where he rose thr ...
announcing his departure from the club in favour of signing with
Vllaznia Shkodër.
On 9 September,
Marsel Çaka
Marsel Çaka (born 31 March 1995) is an Albanian footballer who currently plays as a goalkeeper for Dinamo in the Albanian First Division.
Club career
Çaka is a product of the KF Tirana academy which he joined as a child, before being promote ...
signed a long time contract with the club and was loaned to
Kamza for the rest of the season.
In the first league match of September, Tirana didn't go more than a disappointing goalless draw at home against the newly promoted side
Bylis Ballsh
KF Bylis, also known as Bylis Ballsh, is an Albanian football club based in Ballsh, Mallakastër District. The club's home ground is the Adush Muça Stadium and they currently compete in the Kategoria Superiore.
History
Early history
The club ...
on 12th. To begin its Albanian Cup campaign, Tirana played its first leg match against
Erzeni Shijak. They were able to clinch the victory only in the last minutes of the match thanks to the goal of Florian Kadriu.
October
Tirana endured a strong month as it was started with a 0–1 loss at the hands of rivals
Partizani Tirana
Futboll Klub Partizani, or FK Partizani for short, is an Albanian professional football club based in Tirana, that competes in the Kategoria Superiore. Founded in 1946, the club was historically affiliated to the Albanian army. Partizani's curren ...
, which was followed by a 1–1 draw against
Flamurtari Vlorë
Flamurtari FC is a professional football club based in Vlorë, Albania. The club plays in the Kategoria e Parë, which is the second tier of football in the country.
Founded in 1923, the club is one of the oldest in Albania, and it is also one ...
, which got the manager Shkëlqim Muça sacked after only five months on duty. Following that, both assistants of Muça were appointed temporarily managers of the team.
In the first leg of Albanian Cup's second round, Tirana thrashed 5–1
Kastrioti
The House of Kastrioti ( sq, Dera e Kastriotëve) was an Albanian noble family, active in the 14th and 15th centuries as the rulers of the Principality of Kastrioti. At the beginning of the 15th century, the family controlled a territory in the ...
at
Krujë
Krujë ( sq-definite, Kruja; see also the etymology section) is a town and a municipality in north central Albania. Located between Mount Krujë and the Ishëm River, the city is only 20 km north from the capital of Albania, Tirana.
Kruj ...
with two goals scored by Gilberto and one each for Masato Fukui, Vucaj and Kërçiku. After the match against
Vllaznia Shkodër, where the duo failed to secure the win, Tirana begun negotiations with coach
Ilir Daja
Ilir Daja (born 20 October 1966 in Tirana) is an Albanian professional football coach and former player who is the current manager of the Ballkani.
Club career
Daja spent his youth career with 17 Nëntori, before playing for Dinamo Tirana for te ...
. The negotiations where finally concluded and on 28 October Daja signed a contract until the end of the season. He was presented to the media in the very next day.
November
Ilir Daja debuted with a 2–1 win over
Kukësi at Qemal Stafa Stadium on 1 November. The goal of defender Gentian Muça and an own goal from
Franc Veliu clinched the win for the capital side. This match was the last for the Brazilian striker
Gilberto
Gilberto is the Iberian and Italian version of the originally Norman-French given name ''Gilbert'', used in Italian, Portuguese and Spanish languages. In Galician, it's spelled Xilberto or Xilberte. ''Gilbert'' is ultimately derived from the Germ ...
, who had agreed to terminate his contract by mutual consent before the match.
Tirana continued a fine run with Daja as manager overwhelming 3–0
Tërbuni Pukë at home. The goals were scored by Karan, Elis Bakaj and Gilman Lika. In the middle of the month, Tirana announced that its new home
Selman Stërmasi Stadium
The Selman Stërmasi Stadium ( sq, Stadiumi Selman Stërmasi) is a multi-purpose stadium in Tirana, Albania. It is currently used mostly for football matches and is the home ground of KF Tirana. The stadium holds 9,500 people (all seated). It i ...
will be ready at the end of the month to host the league match against
Skënderbeu Korçë
, reign = 28 November 1443 – 17 January 1468
, predecessor = Gjon Kastrioti
, successor = Gjon Kastrioti II
, spouse = Donika Arianiti
, issue = Gjon Kastrioti II
, royal house = Kastrioti
, father ...
. In the inaugural match, Tirana disappointed the fans by losing 2–1, with the goals scored by two former players of Tirana,
Salihi and
Lilaj, which did not celebrate as a sign of respect. For Tirana scored Elis Bakaj via a penalty kick
December
In December, Tirana recorded three goalless draw, respectively against Teuta Durrës, Partizani Tirana and Vllaznia Shkodër. On 23 December, in the last match of the year, Tirana recorded a 1–0 at Kukësi thanks to the header of
Gentian Muça, taking the first ever win at
Zeqir Ymeri Stadium. Tirana ended the second phase of the league in fourth place with 29 points.
They conceded only two goals during this phrase, all of them against Skënderbeu Korçë, keeping the goal intact in eight of nine matches. They ended the first part of the season as the team with the best defence, conceding 10 goals in 18 matches, less than any other team. On 25 December, Kavdanski left the club by terminated his contract with the club.
January
In January of the following year, during the winter transfer window, Tirana secured the services of the Brazilian duo
Hugo Almeida
Hugo Miguel Pereira de Almeida (born 23 May 1984) is a Portuguese former professional footballer who played as a centre-forward.
After failing to establish himself at Porto, being loaned several times during his contract, he made a name for h ...
and
Alex Willian respectively form
Portuguesa and
Icasa
The Independent Communications Authority of South Africa (ICASA) is an independent regulatory body of the South African government, established in 2000 by the ICASA Act to regulate both the telecommunications and broadcasting sectors in the publ ...
.
They signed both a six-month contract with an option to extend it for a year, and were presented on 13 January. On the same day, the 26-years old defender
Endrit Idrizaj returned to the club after spending the last year in loan at
Apolonia Fier
KF Apolonia is an Albanian football club based in Fier. The club was founded on 17 June 1925 and took its name from the nearby ruins of the ancient city of Apollonia. The club currently compete in the Kategoria e Parë and they play their home ...
.
The ethnic Albanian prodigy
Florian Kadriu was sent on loan at fellow Kategoria Superiore side
Teuta Durrës
Teuta ( Illyrian: *''Teutana'', 'mistress of the people, queen'; grc, Τεύτα; lat, Teuta) was the queen regent of the Ardiaei tribe in Illyria, who reigned approximately from 231 BC to 228/227 BC.
Following the death of her spouse Agro ...
until the end of the season in order to gain more experience.
Stivi Frashëri
Stivi Frashëri (born 29 August 1990) is an Albanian professional footballer who as a goalkeeper for Ballkani in the Kosovar Superliga.
Club career
Early career
Frashëri joined the youth setup of his local side Skënderbeu Korçë as a 14-y ...
terminated his contract with Tirana by mutual consensus.
Tirana kicked off 2016 by beating away
Flamurtari Vlorë
Flamurtari FC is a professional football club based in Vlorë, Albania. The club plays in the Kategoria e Parë, which is the second tier of football in the country.
Founded in 1923, the club is one of the oldest in Albania, and it is also one ...
in the first leg of quarter-final of Albanian Cup, thanks to an
Argjend Malaj winner. Back in Kategoria Superiore, on 30 January, Tirana won comfortably 3–1 away against Tërbuni Pukë to go up in the 3rd place, overtaking Teuta Durrës. The goals were scored by Bakaj, Muzaka and Muça.
February
On 1 February, in the last day of winter transfer window, Tirana signed
Enriko Papa from
Bylis Ballsh
KF Bylis, also known as Bylis Ballsh, is an Albanian football club based in Ballsh, Mallakastër District. The club's home ground is the Adush Muça Stadium and they currently compete in the Kategoria Superiore.
History
Early history
The club ...
on a free transfer.
He signed a one-year contract with the option of a further one. On 6 February, Tirana announced via its official website that they have terminated the contract with Brazilian forward
Hugo
Hugo or HUGO may refer to:
Arts and entertainment
* ''Hugo'' (film), a 2011 film directed by Martin Scorsese
* Hugo Award, a science fiction and fantasy award named after Hugo Gernsback
* Hugo (franchise), a children's media franchise based on a ...
after he requeried to leave the club due to familiar reasons. However, five hours later, Hugo returned to the team, and also brought his family in
Albania
Albania ( ; sq, Shqipëri or ), or , also or . officially the Republic of Albania ( sq, Republika e Shqipërisë), is a country in Southeastern Europe. It is located on the Adriatic and Ionian Seas within the Mediterranean Sea and shares ...
, saying that he never asked the club to leave and the situation that was created was a misunderstanding created by his manager, leading Hugo to terminate they cooperation.
A day later, Tirana recorded an emphatic 3–0 away win over
Laçi, thanks to the goals of
Bakaj,
Muzaka
The Muzaka were an Albanian noble family that ruled over the region of Myzeqe (southern Albania) in the Late Middle Ages. The Muzaka are also referred to by some authors as a tribe or a clan. The earliest historical document that mention Muzaka ...
and
Hugo
Hugo or HUGO may refer to:
Arts and entertainment
* ''Hugo'' (film), a 2011 film directed by Martin Scorsese
* Hugo Award, a science fiction and fantasy award named after Hugo Gernsback
* Hugo (franchise), a children's media franchise based on a ...
. That was the first win at
Laçi Stadium
Laçi Stadium ( sq, Stadiumi Laçi) is a multi-use stadium in Laçi, Albania. It is used mostly for football matches and hosts the home games of KF Laçi of the Kategoria Superiore. The stadium currently has an official seated capacity of 8,000.
...
since 5 May 2012 where Tirana won thanks to a winner of
Bekim Balaj
Bekim Balaj (born 11 January 1991) is an Albanian professional footballer who plays as a striker for Albanian club Vllaznia Shkodër and the Albania national team.
Balaj started his football career with his hometown club Vllaznia and made h ...
. However, during the match Bakaj and Karan were booked meaning that they would miss the following league match against
Bylis Ballsh
KF Bylis, also known as Bylis Ballsh, is an Albanian football club based in Ballsh, Mallakastër District. The club's home ground is the Adush Muça Stadium and they currently compete in the Kategoria Superiore.
History
Early history
The club ...
at home. However, during the match Tirana was able to beat Bylis Ballsh 2–0 thanks to the goals of Muzaka and the youngster
Majkel Peci, who made his
Kategoria Superiore
The Kategoria Superiore, officially known as Abissnet Superiore for sponsorship reasons, is a professional league for men's association football clubs. At the top of the Albanian football league system, it is the country's primary football compet ...
debut. Tirana also registered the first victory at the newly renovated Selman Stërmasi Stadium. In the returning leg of Albanian Cup's quarter-final at Selman Stërmasi Stadium, Tirana was surprisingly knocked out by Flamurtari Vlorë who won 2–1 to qualify in the next round with the aggregate 2–2 (away rule goals), in the match which saw the dismissal of
Erion Hoxhallari
Erion Hoxhallari (born 15 October 1995) is an Albanian professional footballer who plays as a left-back for Romanian club UTA Arad.
Club career
Early career
Hoxhallari started his youth career at Tirana. On 1 July 2011 he was loaned out at Aust ...
and
Olsi Teqja
Olsi Teqja (born 27 July 1988) is an Albanian professional footballer who plays as a centre-back for Championnat National 2 club Chambly.
Club career
Bylis Ballsh
On 22 August 2011, Teqja joined Albanian Superliga side Bylis Ballsh. He debuted ...
, leaving Tirana with nine players for the last ten minutes of the match. On 19 February, the vice-captain
Gentian Muça successfully underwent surgery in his knee that would rule him out for two months.
Three days later, in the next league match against the league leaders
Skënderbeu Korçë
, reign = 28 November 1443 – 17 January 1468
, predecessor = Gjon Kastrioti
, successor = Gjon Kastrioti II
, spouse = Donika Arianiti
, issue = Gjon Kastrioti II
, royal house = Kastrioti
, father ...
, Tirana lost 0–1 in a match which was infamously marred by the "one-sided" decisions of the referee Andi Koçi, who did not give a clear penalty to Tirana's
Gilman Lika
Gilman Lika (born 31 January 1987) is an Albanian professional footballer who plays as a midfielder for Vllaznia Shkodër in the Albanian Superliga and the Albania national team.
Having started his career with Vllaznia Shkodër in 2004, he ...
while awarded an incorrect penalty to Skënderbeu's Hamdi Salihi, who scored the lone goal. Skënderbeu's coach
Mirel Josa
Mirel Josa (born 1 June 1963) is an Albanian former football player and current coach of Vllaznia in the Kategoria Superiore. As a player, he played in the Greek Alpha Ethniki for Nea Kavala and Aris, as well as making 27 international appearan ...
and also the team's vice captain
Orges Shehi
Orges Shehi (born 25 September 1977) is an Albanian professional former football player and current coach of Tirana.
In July 2010, he joined Skënderbeu and won 6 consecutive league titles (2010–11, 2011–12, 2012–13, 2013–14, 2014–1 ...
and
Bakary Nimaga
Bakary Nimaga (born 6 December 1994) is a Malian professional footballer who plays as a defensive midfielder playing for Radnički Niš in the Serbian SuperLiga. admitted that the penalty of Tirana was correct. A day later, the club's sporting director
Devi Muka
Devi Muka (born 21 December 1976 in Vlorë) is an Albanian retired footballer who has spent the majority of his career playing for KF Tirana in the Albanian Superliga as a midfielder.
Club career Early career and Croatia
Muka started his car ...
came out on a press conference to condemn the arbitration of Andi Koçi, while Tirana's coach
Ilir Daja
Ilir Daja (born 20 October 1966 in Tirana) is an Albanian professional football coach and former player who is the current manager of the Ballkani.
Club career
Daja spent his youth career with 17 Nëntori, before playing for Dinamo Tirana for te ...
accused the referee for not leaving Tirana to fight for the title. One the same day, Tirana filed an official document that requested the lifetime ban of referee Andi Koçi, adding also that Enea Jorgji should not judge any of Tirana matches. On 26 February, Hugo Almeida left the team after terminating his contract with the club by mutual consensus.
In the last match of the month, Tirana earned a goalless draw at home against
Teuta Durrës
Teuta ( Illyrian: *''Teutana'', 'mistress of the people, queen'; grc, Τεύτα; lat, Teuta) was the queen regent of the Ardiaei tribe in Illyria, who reigned approximately from 231 BC to 228/227 BC.
Following the death of her spouse Agro ...
, they rivals for the European spot.
March
In the match of the March, Tirana fell 2–0 to
Patizani Tirana at
Qemal Stafa Stadium
The Qemal Stafa Stadium ( sq, Stadiumi Qemal Stafa), named after Qemal Stafa (1920–1942), a Albanian Resistance of World War II, World War II hero, was a national stadium and the largest football (soccer), football stadium in Tirana, Albania. ...
, losing out the 3rd spot in the process. The striker
Elis Bakaj
Elis Flamur Bakaj (born 25 June 1987) is an Albanian former professional footballer who played as an attacking midfielder or a forward.
Bakaj began his career as a youth player for KF Kristali, before moving to Partizani Tirana. In 2002, he sta ...
who made his return from injury in the 50th minute of the match was red-carded five minutes later, leaving the team with ten players, which lead the Disciplinary Committee of
AFA to suspended for five matches for his behaviour. In the next match four days later, Tirana didn't go more than a goalless draw against
Flamurtari Vlorë
Flamurtari FC is a professional football club based in Vlorë, Albania. The club plays in the Kategoria e Parë, which is the second tier of football in the country.
Founded in 1923, the club is one of the oldest in Albania, and it is also one ...
at home, felling down to 5th place.
Four days later, Tirana confirmed the bad form recently by losing the Albanian derby 3–1 to
Vllaznia Shkodër at
Reshit Rusi Stadium
Fusha Sportive Reshit Rusi is a multi-use stadium in Shkodër, Albania
Albania ( ; sq, Shqipëri or ), or , also or . officially the Republic of Albania ( sq, Republika e Shqipërisë), is a country in Southeastern Europe. It is located on ...
.
The team took the lead in the 5th minute though an own goal from Stefan Cicmil, but Vllaznia Shkodër bounced back and scored three times, two in the first half.
Tirana tried to react and to turn page in the next match versus
Kukësi, but didn't go more than a 1–1 draw, despite leading in the first half with a goal from
Gjergji Muzaka
Gjergji Muzaka (born 26 September 1984) is an Albanian former professional footballer who plays as a midfielder.
A product of Partizani Tirana academy, Muzaka begun his career as a talented youth player, which prompted Paris Saint-Germain to si ...
. Tirana finished the month without winning a single match; on 22 March, the club fined the defender
Dritan Smajli
Dritan Smajli, also spelled as Dritan Smajlaj, (born 12 February 1985) is an Albanian retired footballer who played as a defender for Kastrioti Krujë, Besëlidhja Lezhë, Vllaznia Shkodër, FK Kukesi and KF Tirana. As of June 2022 he is coac ...
for breaking the rules one day before the match against Kukësi, and was not included in the team for the match. Four days later, Tirana even lost the friendly versus the
Albanian First Division
Albanian may refer to:
*Pertaining to Albania in Southeast Europe; in particular:
**Albanians, an ethnic group native to the Balkans
**Albanian language
** Albanian culture
** Demographics of Albania, includes other ethnic groups within the count ...
side
Kamza. In the last day of the month, Tirana liquidated €198.000 debts to its former players and employers, avoiding potential penalties that could be applied by
FIFA
FIFA (; stands for ''Fédération Internationale de Football Association'' ( French), meaning International Association Football Federation ) is the international governing body of association football, beach football and futsal. It was found ...
and
UEFA
Union of European Football Associations (UEFA ; french: Union des associations européennes de football; german: Union der europäischen Fußballverbände) is one of six continental bodies of governance in association football. It governs f ...
.
April
Tirana commenced the month by taking a 3–0 home victory over
Tërbuni Pukë thanks to an
Elis Bakaj
Elis Flamur Bakaj (born 25 June 1987) is an Albanian former professional footballer who played as an attacking midfielder or a forward.
Bakaj began his career as a youth player for KF Kristali, before moving to Partizani Tirana. In 2002, he sta ...
hat-trick, returning Tirana in the winning ways after six consecutive league matches without a win. That was the second win at Selman Stëmasi Stadium and Elis Bakaj become the first player to score a hat-trick for Tirana since
Bekim Balaj
Bekim Balaj (born 11 January 1991) is an Albanian professional footballer who plays as a striker for Albanian club Vllaznia Shkodër and the Albania national team.
Balaj started his football career with his hometown club Vllaznia and made h ...
on 23 October 2011. On 5 April, Tirana terminated its cooperating with
Alex Willian who didn't play a single minute in the senor team in competitive matches, being reduced to play only with the
reserve
Reserve or reserves may refer to:
Places
* Reserve, Kansas, a US city
* Reserve, Louisiana, a census-designated place in St. John the Baptist Parish
* Reserve, Montana, a census-designated place in Sheridan County
* Reserve, New Mexico, a US vi ...
side.
Tirana then defeated Laçi at home thanks again to Elis Bakaj winner to keep the European chances alive.
After that, Tirana made another false step as they didn't go more than a goalless against the penultimate side of
Bylis Ballsh
KF Bylis, also known as Bylis Ballsh, is an Albanian football club based in Ballsh, Mallakastër District. The club's home ground is the Adush Muça Stadium and they currently compete in the Kategoria Superiore.
History
Early history
The club ...
. In the next match, Tirana suffered another defeat at the hands of
Skënderbeu Korçë
, reign = 28 November 1443 – 17 January 1468
, predecessor = Gjon Kastrioti
, successor = Gjon Kastrioti II
, spouse = Donika Arianiti
, issue = Gjon Kastrioti II
, royal house = Kastrioti
, father ...
, losing 1–0 at Selman Stërmasi Stadium thanks to the
Hamdi Salihi
Hamdi Abdullah Salihi (born 19 January 1984) is an Albanian retired professional footballer who played as a forward. He is the assistant manager of Albania.
Nicknamed 'The Bomber' by his former international coach Otto Barić who would compare ...
's later winner. That was Tirana's fourth league loss against Skënderbeu Korçë in as many matches played. In the last league match for this month,
Teuta Durrës
Teuta ( Illyrian: *''Teutana'', 'mistress of the people, queen'; grc, Τεύτα; lat, Teuta) was the queen regent of the Ardiaei tribe in Illyria, who reigned approximately from 231 BC to 228/227 BC.
Following the death of her spouse Agro ...
held Tirana to a 0–0 draw at
Niko Dovana Stadium
The Niko Dovana Stadium, officially Stadiumi "Niko Dovana", is a multi-use stadium located in Durrës, Albania. It is the home ground of Teuta. The capacity is 12,040, making it the fifth largest ground in the country. It was renamed in 1991 in h ...
.
May
Tirana begun May with a 2–2 home draw against
Partizani Tirana
Futboll Klub Partizani, or FK Partizani for short, is an Albanian professional football club based in Tirana, that competes in the Kategoria Superiore. Founded in 1946, the club was historically affiliated to the Albanian army. Partizani's curren ...
, with the goals scored by
Gentian Muça and Elis Bakaj. The team was on lead until 94th minute, but Partizani levelled the scored thanks to a
Realdo Fili strike. For singing anti-Partizani crust with the fans, Gentian Muça was accused of public incitement of hatred, and was banned for one year from all competitions by the Disciplinary Committee of
AFA, effective immediately. Also Tirana's stadium was banned for eight matches for its fans behaviour, also the Sporting Director
Devi Muka
Devi Muka (born 21 December 1976 in Vlorë) is an Albanian retired footballer who has spent the majority of his career playing for KF Tirana in the Albanian Superliga as a midfielder.
Club career Early career and Croatia
Muka started his car ...
was banned for ten matches after assaulting a Partizani Tirana member staff.
On 8 May, in the next league match, Tirana lost 2–1 away to
Flamurtari Vlorë
Flamurtari FC is a professional football club based in Vlorë, Albania. The club plays in the Kategoria e Parë, which is the second tier of football in the country.
Founded in 1923, the club is one of the oldest in Albania, and it is also one ...
, leaving Tirana mathematically out of European competitions for the fourth consecutive season. In the last match at home, Tirana beat
Vllaznia Shkodër thanks to the lone goal of
Elis Bakaj
Elis Flamur Bakaj (born 25 June 1987) is an Albanian former professional footballer who played as an attacking midfielder or a forward.
Bakaj began his career as a youth player for KF Kristali, before moving to Partizani Tirana. In 2002, he sta ...
, his 13th in the league. On final day of the season, Tirana was defeated 2–1 away to
Kukësi to finish the season in the 5th position, remaining out of European competitions for the fourth consecutive year. Tirana collected 53 points, 18 less the last season.
Players
Squad information
Transfers
Transfers in
Transfers out
Loans out
Pre-season and friendlies
Competitions
Kategoria Superiore
League table
Results summary
Results by round
Matches
Albanian Cup
First round
Second round
Quarter-final
Statistics
Squad stats
{, class="wikitable" style="text-align: center;"
, -
!
! style="width:70px;",
League
League or The League may refer to:
Arts and entertainment
* ''Leagues'' (band), an American rock band
* ''The League'', an American sitcom broadcast on FX and FXX about fantasy football
Sports
* Sports league
* Rugby league, full contact footba ...
! style="width:70px;",
Cup
A cup is an open-top used to hold hot or cold liquids for pouring or drinking; while mainly used for drinking, it also can be used to store solids for pouring (e.g., sugar, flour, grains, salt). Cups may be made of glass, metal, china, clay, ...
! style="width:70px;", Total Stats
, -
, align=left, Games played , , 36, , 6 , , 42
, -
, align=left, Games won , , 13, , 5 , , 18
, -
, align=left, Games drawn , , 14, , 0 , , 14
, -
, align=left, Games lost , , 9 , , 1 , , 10
, -
, align=left, Goals scored , , 37, , 12, , 49
, -
, align=left, Goals conceded , , 25, , 4 , , 29
, -
, align=left, Goal difference , , 12, , 8 , , 20
, -
, align=left, Clean sheets , , 19, , 3 , , 21
, -
Top scorers
{, class="wikitable sortable" style="font-size: 95%; text-align: center;"
, -
!width="7%", No.
!width="7%", Pos.
!width="7%", Nation
!width="20%", Name
!
Kategoria Superiore
The Kategoria Superiore, officially known as Abissnet Superiore for sponsorship reasons, is a professional league for men's association football clubs. At the top of the Albanian football league system, it is the country's primary football compet ...
!
Albanian Cup
The Albanian Cup ( sq, Kupa e Shqipërisë) is the main "knockout" competition in Albanian football. The competition started in 1939 as Kupa e Mbretit (English:"The King's Cup"). Just after a year the cup was suspended as the Second World War st ...
!Total
, -
, 19
,
FW
,
,
Elis Bakaj
Elis Flamur Bakaj (born 25 June 1987) is an Albanian former professional footballer who played as an attacking midfielder or a forward.
Bakaj began his career as a youth player for KF Kristali, before moving to Partizani Tirana. In 2002, he sta ...
, 14
, 1
, 15
, -
, 4
,
DF
,
,
Gentian Muça
, 5
, 0
, 5
, -
, 17
,
MF
,
,
Gjergji Muzaka
Gjergji Muzaka (born 26 September 1984) is an Albanian former professional footballer who plays as a midfielder.
A product of Partizani Tirana academy, Muzaka begun his career as a talented youth player, which prompted Paris Saint-Germain to si ...
, 4
, 0
, 4
, -
, 99
,
FW
,
,
Masato Fukui
is a Japanese professional footballer who plays as a striker for Albanian club Kamza.
Club career Gainare Tottori
In 2011, he joined Gainare Tottori in J2 League, on 6 March 2011 he made his first appearance for the team.
Home United
In 2013 ...
, 2
, 2
, 4
, -
, 7
,
MF
,
,
Gilman Lika
Gilman Lika (born 31 January 1987) is an Albanian professional footballer who plays as a midfielder for Vllaznia Shkodër in the Albanian Superliga and the Albania national team.
Having started his career with Vllaznia Shkodër in 2004, he ...
, 2
, 1
, 3
, -
, 5
,
DF
,
,
Dejan Karan
, 2
, 0
, 2
, -
, 10
,
MF
,
,
Erjon Vucaj
Erjon Vucaj (born 25 December 1990) is an Albanian professional footballer who plays as a midfielder for FK Dečić in Montenegro.
Grown up as a player at Vllaznia Shkodër, he has spent three years at Laçi, proving to be a pivotal player for ...
, 1
, 1
, 2
, -
, 14
,
FW
,
,
Gilberto Fortunato
Gilberto Valdenésio Fortunato (born 11 July 1987) is a Brazilian professional footballer who played as a forward for Singapore team Hougang United in 2021. During his brief stint with the club, he scored 4 goals in 8 games.
Club career Early ...
, 0
, 2
, 2
, -
, #
, colspan=3 ,
Own goal
An own goal, also called a self goal, is where a player performs actions that result in them or their team scoring a goal on themselves, often resulting in a point for the opposing team, such as when a football player kicks a ball into their own ...
s
, 2
, 0
, 2
, -
, 2
,
DF
,
,
Dritan Smajli
Dritan Smajli, also spelled as Dritan Smajlaj, (born 12 February 1985) is an Albanian retired footballer who played as a defender for Kastrioti Krujë, Besëlidhja Lezhë, Vllaznia Shkodër, FK Kukesi and KF Tirana. As of June 2022 he is coac ...
, 1
, 0
, 1
, -
, 3
,
MF
,
,
Enriko Papa
, 1
, 0
, 1
, -
, 9
,
FW
,
,
Grend Halili
, 0
, 1
, 1
, -
, 13
,
MF
,
,
Erando Karabeci
Erando Karabeci (born 6 September 1988) is an Albanian professional association football, footballer who plays as a midfielder for KF Teuta Durrës, Teuta Durrës. He mainly operates in the centre of midfield, but he can also play out wide as we ...
, 1
, 0
, 1
, -
, 14
,
FW
,
,
Hugo Almeida
Hugo Miguel Pereira de Almeida (born 23 May 1984) is a Portuguese former professional footballer who played as a centre-forward.
After failing to establish himself at Porto, being loaned several times during his contract, he made a name for h ...
, 1
, 0
, 1
, -
, 18
,
DF
,
,
Dorian Kërçiku
, 0
, 1
, 1
, -
, 21
,
MF
,
,
Olsi Teqja
Olsi Teqja (born 27 July 1988) is an Albanian professional footballer who plays as a centre-back for Championnat National 2 club Chambly.
Club career
Bylis Ballsh
On 22 August 2011, Teqja joined Albanian Superliga side Bylis Ballsh. He debuted ...
, 0
, 1
, 1
, -
, 23
,
MF
,
,
Argjend Malaj
, 0
, 1
, 1
, -
, 24
,
FW
,
,
Florian Kadriu
, 0
, 1
, 1
, -
, 25
,
MF
,
,
Majkel Peci
, 1
, 0
, 1
, - bgcolor="F1F1F1"
, colspan=4 , TOTAL
, 37
, 12
, 49
Last updated: 19 May 2016
Clean sheets
''The list is sorted by shirt number when total appearances are equal.''
{, class="wikitable sortable" style="font-size: 95%; text-align: center;"
, -
!width=10,
!width=10,
!width=200, Player
!width=50, Kategoria Superiore
!width=50, Albanian Cup
!width=50, Total
, -
, 1
, 31
, align="left",
Edvan Bakaj
Edvan Bakaj (born 9 October 1987) is an Albanian former professional footballer who played as a goalkeeper.
Club career Besa Kavajë
During the winter break, Bakaj announced his departure from Laçi along with the striker Julian Malo, and, in ...
, 17, , 3, , 20
, -
, 2
, 1
, align=left,
Stivi Frashëri
Stivi Frashëri (born 29 August 1990) is an Albanian professional footballer who as a goalkeeper for Ballkani in the Kosovar Superliga.
Club career
Early career
Frashëri joined the youth setup of his local side Skënderbeu Korçë as a 14-y ...
, 2, , 0, , 2
, -
, 3
, 12
, align=left,
Marsel Çaka
Marsel Çaka (born 31 March 1995) is an Albanian footballer who currently plays as a goalkeeper for Dinamo in the Albanian First Division.
Club career
Çaka is a product of the KF Tirana academy which he joined as a child, before being promote ...
, 0, , 0, , 0
, -
, colspan="3", TOTALS
, 19, , 3, , 22
Notes
References
External links
Official website
{{DEFAULTSORT:2015-16 KF Tirana season
KF Tirana seasons
Tirana
Tirana ( , ; aln, Tirona) is the capital and largest city of Albania. It is located in the centre of the country, enclosed by mountains and hills with Dajti rising to the east and a slight valley to the northwest overlooking the Adriatic Sea ...