Albanian Cup, Armand Duka: I hope we have the most competitive matches possible

2026-01-13 17:00:00, Sport CNA

The Albanian Cup has entered the most decisive phase of this edition. The draw held at noon today at the "House of Football" determined the quarter-final matches, putting the teams facing challenges that will separate the real contenders from the race for the trophy.

The draw ceremony was attended by representatives of the participating clubs, sports media, as well as the President of the Albanian Football Association, Armand Duka.

In a brief greeting before the draw, President Duka asked the teams to be as fair-play as possible on the field of play and for massive support from the fans as well as in the championship, describing the Albanian Cup as one of the most important events in Albania.

"I am pleased that we are together here today for a very important event for one of the most important competitions in Albania, the Republic Cup. A traditional Albanian event that has always given emotions of fair play and respect on the field of play.

We are now in a very interesting phase where the 8 best teams of this year's competition are competing to win one of the most important trophies in Albania. I wish we have the most competitive matches, the most fair play on the field of play and cooperation between the Albanian Football Association and the clubs.

"Let's have as many spectators as possible on the stadium steps to support this important competition in Albania, just like the Albanian championship. Once again, congratulations and continued success in the Albanian Cup. One will win the Cup, but everyone will win what is most important, the development of the game of football," said President Duka at the draw ceremony.

After the draw, the following quarterfinal pairs were determined:

Teuta – Egnatia, February 11/ Egnatia – Teuta, March 4

Tirana – Dinamo City, February 11/ Dinamo City – Tirana, March 4

AF Elbasani – Partizani, February 11/ Partizani – AF Elbasani, March 4

Bylis – Vllaznia, February 11/ Vllaznia – Bylis, March 4

The first matches will be played on February 11th on the field of the teams in Pot 2, while the return matches will take place on March 4th, in challenges that are expected to be very hard-fought and decisive for the fate of this edition of the Albanian Cup.

The quarterfinals promise spectacle and high-level confrontations, in a competition where every match is now worth a final.