The website dedicated to women's football across the country, at ALL levels of the game

@en

Tuesday, April 21, 2026

Back to home page

Roberts goal gives Wales victory in Albania

Albania 0 Wales 1 (Roberts 28)  

at the Elbasan Arena  

Rhiannon Roberts proved the hero for Wales as her first half goal secured a vital three points, keeping the pressure firmly on the Czech Republic at the top of Group B1.

Rhian Wilkinson made two changes to the side that defeated Albania 4-0 in Wrexham earlier in the week, with Rachel Rowe and Hayley Ladd coming in for Carrie Jones and Elise Hughes. Albania, meanwhile, made just one alteration, bringing Alma Hila into the team.

A delay to the kick off at the Elbasan Arena, caused by an issue with the playing surface, did little to disrupt Wales, who quickly settled into their rhythm and enjoyed long spells of possession while Albania looked to hit them on the counter attack. Megi Doci, impressive for Albania in the reverse fixture, struck the bar early on shortly after Hannah Cain had tested goalkeeper Rajmonda Spahiu at the other end.

Wales took a deserved lead on 28 minutes when Roberts opened the scoring, capitalising on a dangerous cross into the box from Lily Woodham.

Sophie Ingle, captaining the side on her 150th senior international appearance, saw a goal disallowed for offside just before half time, while Mared Griffiths came close to doubling the advantage in added time, only to send her effort narrowly wide of Spahiu’s far post.

Wales continued to press after the break, with Griffiths, Ffion Morgan and Ingle all going close to extending their lead. However, Albania remained a threat on the break, and Ilarja Zarka rattled the bar on the hour mark with a superb strike that left Safia Middleton-Patel beaten.

Despite dominating possession for much of the contest, Wales were forced to withstand periods of Albanian pressure as the hosts pushed for an equaliser. Some resolute defending, coupled with a fine save from Middleton-Patel to deny Fortesa Berisha, ensured Wales held on to their narrow advantage.

Albania continued to pose questions of the Welsh defence right until the final whistle, but the visitors stood firm to secure what could prove to be a crucial three points in their qualifying campaign.

Albania: Raimonda Spahiu, Arbiona Bajraktari, Alma Hilaj, Armera Tukaj (sub Sara Begallo 83mins), Arbenita Curraj, Klea Hamonikaj, Ilarja Zarka (sub Gresa Berisha 83mins), Esmeralda Franja, Mikaela Metalla (sub Valentina Troka 90mins), Megi Doci, Fortesa Berisha. Subs not used: Xhesika Ndoj, Klesjana Spaho, Rexhina Mexhalaku, Leonora Dedgjonaj, Aglia Iliadhi, Marinela Mema, Antigona Hyska, Suzane Vuksani, Mimoza Hamidi.  

Wales: Safia Middleton-Patel, Rhiannon Roberts, Lily Woodham, Sophie Ingle, Gemma Evans, Hayley Ladd (sub Carrie Jones 61mins), Ffion Morgan (sub Ella Powell 61mins), Angharad James, Rachel Rowe (sub Esther Morgan 88mins), Mared Griffiths (sub Elise Hughes 73mins), Hannah Cain (sub Phoebie Poole 88mins). Subs not used: Poppy Soper, Olivia Francis, Tianna Teisar, Charlie Estcourt, Lucy Farrell-Shrouder, Mia Ross, Annie Wilding.