Albania claimed an important victory over Kosovo in padel in the round of 32 at the 2026 Mediterranean Games being held in Taranto, Italy. In a match of special interest to the Albanian public, the red-and-black duo emerged victorious in straight sets, while after the match attention also shifted to the presence of Lorik Cana.
Clear victory for Albania over Kosovo
Fjoralb Curri and Kristian Naska defeated Osman Reçica and Lorik Rexhepi 6-4, 6-4. The win sends the Albanians through in the Taranto competition, in a discipline that is gaining more and more ground in the region as well.
The match between Albania and Kosovo ended without a deciding set, with the Albanian pair maintaining their advantage in both phases of play and managing the contest with confidence.
Lorik Cana alongside the Albanian team
Alongside the result, one of the moments that drew the most attention was the presence of former Albania national football team captain Lorik Cana, who followed the match closely in Italy.
After the end of the match, Cana came onto the court and posed with the athletes, in a scene that gave even greater visibility to Albania’s victory.
Why Cana was seen on a padel court
His presence does not appear to have been accidental. Since retiring from professional football, Lorik Cana has long been associated with padel, a sport that has spread rapidly in different countries across Europe.
He has often been mentioned as one of the figures who has helped promote the sport among Albanian and Kosovar audiences, while continuing to take part regularly in amateur activities and tournaments.
Albania continues its journey in Taranto
With this victory over Kosovo, Curri and Naska secure progress in the competition and keep alive their ambition to advance as far as possible at the 2026 Mediterranean Games.
In the end, beyond the rivalry of the match, athletes from both teams came together for a group photo, putting the sporting side of the contest in the foreground.
The victory over Kosovo gives Albania an important boost in the padel tournament in Taranto.
While the result sent the red-and-black team into the next round, Lorik Cana’s presence also turned the match into a notable moment for the Albanian sporting public.