The Kosovo U18 Women's national team opened their campaign at the FIBA U18 Women's European Championship Division with a hard-fought 72–61 victory over Armenia U18 Women on July 24, 2026. The match, played in a competitive group-stage setting, saw Kosovo overcome a determined Armenian side to claim a crucial win in the continental youth tournament.

Match Overview

From the opening tip, both teams displayed high energy and disciplined defensive schemes. Armenia struck first with a quick inside basket, but Kosovo responded with a 9–2 run to seize early control. The first quarter ended with Kosovo leading 18–14, as their guards exploited gaps in the Armenian half-court defense.

Armenia showed resilience in the second quarter, pulling within one point midway through the period. However, Kosovo’s bench depth proved decisive, as a 7–0 spurt just before halftime gave them a 36–28 cushion at the break.

Key Moments

• Third-quarter surge: Kosovo extended the lead to 15 points early in the third quarter, capitalizing on three consecutive turnovers by Armenia. A pair of three-pointers from the visiting team’s shooting guard pushed the score to 54–39.
• Armenia’s fightback: Armenia refused to fade, trimming the deficit to 62–56 with five minutes remaining in the fourth quarter. A driving layup and a steal leading to a fast-break score brought the home crowd to life.
• Clutch free throws: Kosovo sealed the win by making 8 of 10 free throws in the final two minutes, while Armenia could not convert on key possessions, finishing with 61 points.

Standout Players

For Kosovo, forward Liridona Gashi led all scorers with 22 points and 9 rebounds, displaying a versatile inside-out game. Point guard Elona Krasniqi added 14 points and 7 assists, orchestrating the offense effectively. Armenia was powered by center Ani Petrosyan, who posted a double-double of 18 points and 12 rebounds, and guard Mariam Avetisyan, who contributed 15 points and 4 steals.

Tournament Impact

The victory gives Kosovo a strong start in the FIBA U18 Women's European Championship Division, placing them in a promising position for advancement to the next stage. Armenia, despite a spirited performance, will need to regroup quickly as they face another crucial group match. The result highlights Kosovo’s growing strength in youth women’s basketball on the European stage.