Belarus national football team loses to Albania in decisive Nations League match
In a nominally home encounter in Budapest, the Belarusian team needed only a victory to claim first place; however, Viktar Hancharenka's charges conceded two unanswered goals. They will compete for promotion to Division B in the play-offs — Poland is among the potential opponents.
In the final round of the Nations League group stage in Group 1 of Division C, the Belarus national football team was defeated by the Albania team with a score of 0–2. By the same 0–2 scoreline, the Belarusians also lost to the Balkan side away from home in the opening round of the competition.
The decisive match took place in Budapest, Hungary. Albanian forward Rey Manaj opened the scoring in the 28th minute, and in the 57th minute, defender Elseid Hysaj doubled the visitors' lead. The Belarusian team took the pitch in the following starting line-up: Fiodar Lapavukhaw in goal, Kiryl Pyachenin, Ilya Lukashow, Raman Behunow, Artsiom Shumansky, Alyaksandr Syalyava, Max Ebong, Herman Barkowski, Ilya Homanaw, captain Zakhar Volkaw, and Artsiom Kantsavy. In the second half, Valery Hramyka, Yury Kavalyow, Trafim Melnichenka, Uladzislaw Marozaw, and Valery Bacharow also came on as substitutes.
Following the six rounds, the Belarus national team under the management of Viktar Hancharenka gathered 10 points — boasting three wins, one draw, and two defeats against the Albanians. This result allowed the team to finish in second place in its quartet, while Albania clinched top spot and earned direct promotion to Division B.
A similar clash between the two national sides had already taken place in the final round of the 2020/2021 Nations League season. Back then, the Belarusians and Albanians also faced off directly for first place in the group, with the Belarusian team holding a two-point advantage prior to the match, but ultimately succumbing to a 2–3 defeat.
Now, in March 2027, Viktar Hancharenka's footballers face play-off fixtures for the right to advance to Division B against one of the teams that finished third in the groups of that league. The list of potential opponents for the Belarus national team includes seven national squads: Poland, Georgia, Romania, North Macedonia, Israel, Ireland, and Kosovo. The final pairing will be determined during the draw.
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