Albania's national soccer team secured their spot in the European Championship next year after a 1-1 draw against Moldova on Friday. Veteran forward Sokol Cikalleshi scored a penalty in the 25th minute to help Albania secure the point they needed to ensure a top-two finish in their qualifying group. This victory means that Albania will be competing in the European Championship for the second time in their history, with their previous appearance being in 2016.

Under the guidance of their Brazilian coach Sylvinho, Albania has outperformed higher-ranked teams such as Poland and the Czech Republic in Group E. Sylvinho, who previously coached Lyon and Corinthians, has led Albania on an impressive seven-game unbeaten run in the qualifying campaign.

Albania's qualification for Euro 2024 confirms them as the 12th country to secure their place in the tournament, which will feature a total of 24 teams. With one game remaining, Albania currently holds a three-point lead over the second-place Czech Republic and a four-point advantage over Moldova and Poland.

Albania's final group game will be against the Faeroe Islands, while the Czech Republic will face Moldova. Poland, on the other hand, looks set to enter the qualifying playoffs in March.