Albania Beat Romania to Secure First European Championship Win

Albanian players celebrate their victory after Euro 2016 Group A soccer match. (Photo: AP)

A goal from striker Armando Sadiku helped Albania to a 1-0 victory over Romania at Euro 2016 on Sunday to earn their first three points.

The result leaves Albania third and Romania fourth, with just one point, in a group topped by France and Switzerland.

Sadiku scored Albania’s first goal in the finals of a major tournament with a header just before half time from a cross by Ledian Memushaj in their last group A clash.

Albania secured their first win at European championship.

Albania’s Armando Sadiku, left, scores the opening goal past Romania goalkeeper Ciprian Tatarusanu during the Euro 2016. (Photo: AP)

Romania fought back in the second half, and substitute Florin Andone rattled the Albanian bar with 15 minutes left, but otherwise their efforts were blocked time and again by determined Albanian defending.

However, the Albanians failed to qualify for the last 16 stage of Euro 2016.

(with agency inputs)