Skënderbeu escapade captivating Albania

"We have made history with our results, but our work is not done," said Skënderbeu coach Mirel Josa as the Albanian side started to gear up for their UEFA Champions League play-off opener against Dinamo Zagreb. "Our mission is not over yet."

Two Hamdi Salihi goals enabled the Korce-based side to bring last Wednesday's Albanian Super Cup game back to 2-2, before they lost out to Laçi on penalties. It was the first real disappointment of the season for Josa's team, but they will have the whole nation behind them this week as they bid to make amends. The club are already sure to become Albania's first major UEFA club group stage contenders, regardless of the outcome against Dinamo.

With Albania in 39th place in the most recent UEFA rankings for club competitions, local sides had been going through a lean period until Skënderbeu eliminated Northern Ireland's Crusaders and Milsami Orhei from Moldova. Domestic champions for five seasons in a row, the Snow Wolves – named in honour of Gjergj 'Skënderbeu' Kastrioti, a nobleman who led Albanian resistance to the Ottoman empire in the 15th century – are setting an impressive example for all local clubs.

"This is a very well organised team with great leadership," said Albania defender Andi Lila, who has been training with Skënderbeu while he seeks a new permanent contract. "Theirs is a massive success story. Everyone wants to play for them and everyone is talking about them."

Hamdi Salihi with Rapid Wien in 2011©GEPA

Striker Salihi is a case in point. The 31-year-old had not played in the Albanian league for eight years – representing clubs in Austria, the United States, China and Israel – but jumped at the chance to sign for Skënderbeu this summer. "I knew this team was first-class and I knew from the start I wanted to play for them," said the striker, the top scorer in UEFA Champions League qualifying so far with five goals. "Our success has made a lot of people in our country proud. It is unbelievable."

Coming from the shy and softly-spoken Salihi, that is quite an emotional outburst; while the No14 has been the poster boy of Skënderbeu's campaign so far, what has impressed most has been their team ethic. Fans have responded: a crowd of 12,000 – huge by Albanian standards – turned out to watch the 2-0 win against Milsami in Elbasan that confirmed Skënderbeu's place in the play-offs.

Another substantial attendance is expected for Dinamo's visit on Wednesday. "Dinamo are a very good team, but if we play our best and give our maximum effort, anything can happen," said former Albania midfielder Josa, 52. "And if we get a little bit of luck or a touch of magic, our dreams can go on."

There is an usual link between the two clubs as Dinamo's 18-year-old Albanian midfielder Endri Çekiçi explained: "My father played for Skënderbeu when I was a kid, but there is no doubt which club he will support now. Dinamo Zagreb and his son, of course!"

National team boss Gianni De Biasi, meanwhile, fears that Skënderbeu might find Dinamo too hot to handle over two legs. "You can get luck and a bit of magic in one game," the 59-year-old said. "It's almost impossible to get them both in two matches."

However, with the losers earning a UEFA Europa League group stage place, defeat would be no disaster. Regardless of what happens, the club have helped enthuse fans in Albania, with Korce-born captain Bledi Shkëmbi welcoming the attention.

"Having this level of interest is rare for any athlete in Albania, especially in football," said the 36-year-old. "It's so special, and beyond anything I could have imagined as a kid. Feeling that support is one of the biggest things. It is great to see Albanians all around the world getting behind us."

Skënderbeu celebrate their most recent national title success©LSAPHOTO