The Kosovo U18 national team delivered a dominant performance in the Europe U18 Championship Division C, cruising to a convincing 90–65 victory over Armenia U18 on July 23, 2026. The win underlined Kosovo's ambitions in the lower-tier competition, showcasing their depth, shooting efficiency, and defensive intensity throughout the contest.

Match Overview

Played at a neutral venue in the Division C tournament, the game saw Kosovo take control from the opening quarter. A balanced attack and a stifling defense limited Armenia's scoring opportunities, allowing Kosovo to build a lead that they never relinquished. The final scoreline of 90–65 reflected Kosovo's superior conditioning and tactical execution, particularly in transition and three-point shooting.

Key Moments

• Fast start: Kosovo opened the game with a 12–2 run, forcing Armenia into early foul trouble and setting the tone for the contest.
• Second-quarter surge: A 28–18 period in the second quarter stretched the lead to 20 points by halftime, effectively breaking Armenia's resistance.
• Defensive stops: Kosovo held Armenia to just 31% shooting from the field in the first half, denying clean looks from beyond the arc.
• Clutch free-throw shooting: In the fourth quarter, Kosovo converted 14 of 16 free throws to seal the win and prevent any late comeback.

Standout Players

For Kosovo, the backcourt duo of Luan Krasniqi and Driton Hajrizi combined for 45 points, with Krasniqi adding 8 assists and 5 steals. Forward Blerim Shala contributed a double-double of 16 points and 12 rebounds, dominating the paint on both ends. Armenia's top performer was guard David Petrosyan, who scored 22 points and dished 5 assists, but received insufficient support from his teammates.

Tactical Story

Kosovo's game plan centered on pressure defense and fast-break opportunities. They forced 19 turnovers, converting them into 27 points. Offensively, they moved the ball patiently, recording 24 assists on 33 made field goals. Armenia struggled to contain Kosovo's pick-and-roll game, often leaving shooters open on the perimeter.

Tournament Impact

With this victory, Kosovo improved to 2–0 in the Division C group stage, strengthening their case for a semifinal berth. For Armenia, the loss dropped them to 1–1, still alive in the competition but now facing must-win matches to advance. The result also boosted Kosovo's point differential, a crucial tiebreaker in the compact tournament format.

Kosovo will next face San Marino U18, while Armenia looks to rebound against Malta U18. Both teams remain in contention for the Division C title, but Kosovo's impressive win sends a clear message to the rest of the field.