FUSHË KRUJË, Albania (Interstat) — Kastrioti conceded early but answered with three unanswered goals to defeat visiting Luzi 3-1 at Stadiumi Redi Maloku in a football match that turned after a swift first-half response and a controlled second-half performance.

Luzi opened with purpose and took the lead in the 16th minute when Ocheje G. found the back of the net. The visitors’ goal came against the run of early possession, but it gave Luzi a short-lived advantage. Kastrioti needed only six minutes to respond. Rigel Tepshi equalized in the 22nd minute, finishing a move that restored parity and brought the home crowd back into the contest. Tepshi played the full 90 minutes and ended the match with one goal, a key contribution for the home side. The goal also changed the complexion of the first half, as Kastrioti began to dictate terms and probe for a second goal before the break.

Edmond Hoxha, who also played the full 90 minutes, put Kastrioti ahead in the 59th minute. His goal gave the home team a 2-1 advantage and forced Luzi to chase the game. Hoxha’s strike came after Kastrioti had continued to apply pressure following the interval, and it marked the decisive swing in a match that had been level at halftime. Endri Farruku, another Kastrioti player who went the distance and scored once, sealed the result in the 90th minute plus one. Farruku’s late goal arrived in second-half stoppage time, ending any hopes Luzi had of salvaging a draw.

Kastrioti managed the closing stages effectively after taking the lead. The home side defended with discipline, limited space in midfield and forced Luzi to work through congested areas. Luzi pushed players forward in search of an equalizer, but the visitors could not find a clear route back into the match. Kastrioti’s back line held firm, and the home side’s composure in possession helped drain time from the clock. Farruku’s stoppage-time finish then put the outcome beyond doubt.

With the win, Kastrioti improved to 1 win and 0 losses in the competition and 1 win and 0 losses across all competitions. Luzi fell to 0 wins and 1 loss in the competition and 0 wins and 1 loss across all competitions. The result gave Kastrioti a positive start and left Luzi searching for its first victory. Kastrioti’s goal scorers were Tepshi, Hoxha and Farruku, each of whom played the entire match. Tepshi’s equalizer came in the 22nd minute, Hoxha’s go-ahead goal arrived in the 59th, and Farruku completed the scoring in the 90th minute plus one.

Luzi’s only goal came in the 16th minute from Ocheje G., a bright moment during an otherwise frustrating evening for the visitors. After taking the early lead, Luzi was unable to add to its advantage. Kastrioti responded quickly and then controlled the tempo for long stretches. The home side created the better chances after halftime and protected its lead when Luzi increased its attacking intent. The visitors’ late pressure did not produce a second goal, and Kastrioti’s third strike ended the contest.

Kastrioti’s victory came after it had trailed inside the opening quarter-hour. The home side’s response was immediate, with Tepshi leveling six minutes after Ocheje’s opener. From there, Kastrioti grew into the match and took charge after Hoxha scored early in the second half. Farruku’s late goal added gloss to the scoreline and confirmed a strong opening result for the hosts. Luzi, meanwhile, was left to reflect on a strong start that could not be sustained over the full 90 minutes.

Kastrioti finished with three goals from three different scorers, while Luzi’s lone strike came from Ocheje. The home side’s response to conceding proved decisive, and its late goal ensured the final margin matched the balance of play after halftime.

Interstat’s game simulator had projected a final score of Luzi 3, Kastrioti 1. Interstat’s ELO system had projected Kastrioti with a 69.4 percent probability to win.