Istogu 03 Dominate Rinor With Convincing 5-0 Victory

FC Istogu 03 travelled to Prekaz I Poshtëm on 26 October 2025 for a league away fixture against KF Rinor, kicking off at midnight under the watchful eye of referee Diamant Hoti. The hosts were overwhelmed as Istogu 03 ran out comfortable 5-0 winners in a commanding display over 90 minutes plus injury time.

Istogu 03 deployed a classic 4-3-3 formation, setting up with Arbër Bajraktari in goal. The defensive line featured Arlind Ademaj at right back, Lorik Bajraktaraj and Loris Shatri as central defenders, and Ilir Quni on the left flank. In midfield, Faton Sylaj operated on the right, Liridon Aga held the central midfield role, while Valton Fekaj took up the left midfield position. The attacking trio consisted of Ilirjan Ademaj on the right wing, Noah Kehinde Olutekunbi leading the line as striker, and Jetnor Kabashi on the left forward role. The substitutes bench included Arber Hysenaj, Blendi Kuklecaj, Valdet Shala, Ernis Rexhepi, and Lis Balaj.

The 4-3-3 formation was designed to provide width and attacking impetus from the flanks, with Sylaj and Fekaj expected to supply crosses and support the forwards. Aga’s role in central midfield was pivotal for linking defence and attack, while the back four aimed to maintain solidity and prevent any breakthroughs from KF Rinor.

Early in the match, Istogu 03 began probing the opposition defence with attempts from wide areas. At 9 minutes, Faton Sylaj’s effort went wide, signalling the team’s intent to attack down the right. Five minutes later, striker Noah Kehinde Olutekunbi also fired wide, followed by Ilirjan Ademaj’s high attempt at 16 minutes. The pressure intensified when Olutekunbi struck the crossbar at the 20-minute mark, narrowly missing an opener.

Istogu 03’s midfield orchestrator Liridon Aga tested the goalkeeper twice in quick succession at 23 and 27 minutes, both shots saved but demonstrating his influence in the middle of the park. Valton Fekaj also had a shot saved at 24 minutes, showing the team’s persistent threat from the left side.

The breakthrough came at 25 minutes when Faton Sylaj delivered a short pass to Noah Kehinde Olutekunbi, who scored a fluke goal with his right foot. This opened the floodgates for Istogu 03, who continued to dominate possession and chances.

Just eight minutes later, at 33 minutes, Liridon Aga unleashed a spectacular screamer from outside the box, again assisted by Sylaj’s short pass. This goal underlined Aga’s quality and justified his pivotal role in midfield.

Sylaj came agonisingly close to adding to the tally at 39 minutes when his shot hit the crossbar. Moments later, goalkeeper Arbër Bajraktari made a full stretch save to deny KF Rinor a rare chance, keeping the clean sheet intact. Valton Fekaj and Noah Kehinde Olutekunbi both had further attempts wide before the half-time whistle blew with Istogu 03 firmly in control.

The second half saw Istogu 03 continue their dominance. At 50 minutes, Valton Fekaj scored from inside the box after a neat short pass from Ilirjan Ademaj, extending the lead and putting the game beyond doubt. Fekaj remained lively, though his 55-minute effort sailed high, and he was denied again at 63 minutes.

Ilirjan Ademaj’s shot was saved at 60 minutes, maintaining the pattern of Istogu 03’s relentless attacking pressure. At 63 minutes, Faton Sylaj’s attempt went wide, but the team’s attacking threat was undiminished.

A tactical triple substitution at 65 minutes saw Arber Hysenaj replace Noah Kehinde Olutekunbi, Blendi Kuklecaj come on for Ilir Quni, and Valdet Shala take over from Arlind Ademaj, signalling a shift to fresh legs and maintaining intensity.

Jetnor Kabashi’s wide effort at 66 minutes was soon forgotten as he scored at 69 minutes, finishing inside the box from a short pass by Ilirjan Ademaj. This goal further emphasised Istogu 03’s attacking depth.

Further tactical changes followed at 72 minutes with Ernis Rexhepi replacing Liridon Aga and Lis Balaj coming on for Jetnor Kabashi, ensuring the team’s midfield and forward lines remained sharp.

Faton Sylaj’s wide shot at 79 minutes was quickly overshadowed by Valton Fekaj’s clinical finish at 80 minutes, converting a cross from substitute Lis Balaj inside the box with his right foot to seal a comprehensive 5-0 victory.

Throughout the match, goalkeeper Arbër Bajraktari was assured, making crucial saves to keep a clean sheet. Liridon Aga’s influence in midfield was recognised as he was named Player of the Match for his creativity and goal-scoring prowess.

Istogu 03’s emphatic win at Prekaz I Poshtëm not only boosted their league standing but also showcased their attacking flair and tactical flexibility, leaving KF Rinor unable to respond to the relentless pressure.