In a commanding display at the Demush Mavraj Istog on 20 October 2024, ISTOGU 03 secured a 2-0 victory against KF OPOJA in a league home match that kicked off at 2:30pm. The home side showcased their attacking prowess while maintaining a solid defensive structure, ultimately leading to a well-deserved win.
ISTOGU 03 lined up in a 4-1-2-3 formation, with Drin Bajramaj stationed as the goalkeeper. The back four consisted of Loris Shatri on the right, Andin Avdijaj on the left, and central defenders Erolind Fekaj and Lorik Bajraktaraj. In front of them, Erion Rexhaj played the pivotal role of a defensive midfielder, tasked with breaking up opposition play. The midfield trio was completed by Eldar Kelmendi and Liridon Aga, who operated as attacking midfielders, while the forward line featured Hajdar Haxhiu, Jusuf Sabotic, and Adriatik Osmanaj, all expected to provide pace and creativity.
The substitutes for ISTOGU 03 included Drilon Halilaj, Arber Hysenaj, Shkelqim Januzaj, Perparim Loshi, and Alban Haxhijaj, ready to make an impact from the bench if called upon.
The match began with an early scare for the visitors as Eldar Kelmendi struck the post in the 10th minute, showcasing ISTOGU 03's attacking intent. However, just moments later, Erion Rexhaj was flagged offside, preventing a potential goal. The home side continued to press, with Lorik Bajraktaraj making a crucial interception to thwart a KF OPOJA attack in the 12th minute.
As the game progressed, Jusuf Sabotic's attempt in the 15th minute went wide, but Kelmendi's creativity shone through with a slide rule pass shortly after. Liridon Aga also contributed defensively, making an interception to prevent a chance for the visitors in the 17th minute. Bajraktaraj was again in the thick of it, intercepting another attack just a minute later.
The match saw its first foul in the 20th minute when Andin Avdijaj committed a late tackle, followed by another foul from Rexhaj in the 26th minute, which resulted in a yellow card for the midfielder shortly thereafter. Despite the setbacks, ISTOGU 03 remained resolute, with Liridon Aga forcing a save from the KF OPOJA goalkeeper in the 30th minute.
As the first half drew to a close, Kelmendi had another shot saved in the 40th minute, but the half-time whistle blew with the score still level at 0-0. However, the second half began with a bang as Kelmendi scored a stunning direct free-kick just after the restart, assisted by Sabotic, putting ISTOGU 03 ahead in the 46th minute.
A tactical substitution saw Drilon Halilaj replace Rexhaj immediately after the goal. The momentum continued to favour the home side, with Hajdar Haxhiu being flagged offside in the 54th minute. Just two minutes later, Sabotic doubled the lead with a well-placed shot inside the box, assisted by Haxhiu's clever flick.
Defensively, Bajraktaraj was again pivotal, blocking a KF OPOJA chance in the 58th minute. Kelmendi nearly added to his tally in the 60th minute, hitting the post once more, while Bajramaj showcased his skills with a catch in the 62nd minute.
The visitors struggled to find their rhythm, with Sabotic flagged offside in the 65th minute. Bajramaj was called into action again, making a point-blank save shortly after. Halilaj had a chance in the 67th minute, but his effort was saved as well.
ISTOGU 03 made further substitutions in the 68th minute, bringing on Arber Hysenaj and Shkelqim Januzaj, both looking to maintain the team's momentum. Halilaj made a crucial defensive header in the 79th minute, demonstrating the team's commitment to preserving their clean sheet.
As the match neared its conclusion, tactical changes were made with Perparim Loshi replacing Sabotic and Alban Haxhijaj coming on for Kelmendi in the 82nd and 83rd minutes respectively. Hysenaj had a final attempt in the 90th minute, but it was saved, leaving the score at 2-0.
The referee, Shipon Hoti, managed the match with a performance that reflected the intensity of the game, while the attendance of 150 fans witnessed a solid performance from ISTOGU 03, particularly from Eldar Kelmendi, who was undoubtedly the standout player of the match.
