The 22nd Edition of the Republic Cup (1974–1975): A Historic First for “Labinoti”!
Since the inception of this national tournament in 1948, the first 21 editions of the Republic Cup were largely dominated by an elite group of clubs: “Partizani” held 10 titles, “Dinamo” 8, “Vllaznia” 2, and
“17 Nëntori” just 1.
The long-standing hegemony of the “Partizani”–“Dinamo” duo was first broken in 1963 by “17 Nëntori,” who “dared” to defeat “Besa” in the final after two dramatic legs (2–3 / 1–0).
Other underdog teams had reached the final in previous years, though they were unable to capture the trophy:
“Partizani” claimed victories against “Lokomotiva” (2–0 in 1957), “Skënderbeu” (4–0 in 1956), “Besa” after two legs (1–0 / 1–1 in 1961), and “Tomorri” (3–0 in 1964).
“Skënderbeu” suffered a second final defeat in 1965, this time against “Vllaznia”.
“Besa” fell short in 1963 against “17 Nëntori” (3–2 / 0–1) and subsequently in two consecutive editions: against “Dinamo” (0–2 in 1971) and against “Vllaznia” (2–0 / 0–2 in 1972) in one of the most dramatic finals decided by a penalty shootout—marking four final defeats for the Kavaja-based side.
Everything shifted in the 1974–1975 season, as the final featured two sides that had never previously lifted the trophy. Most notably, “Labinoti” had never even reached the final before, unlike “Lokomotiva,” which had made its debut final appearance back in 1957.
Road to the Final
This edition kicked off in August 1974 with the first round, featuring wide participation from across the country.
Second Round (January 1975): Several notable results emerged:
• A dominant 6–0 victory for “Partizani” in Tirana against “Besa”.
• A two-legged comeback win for “Lokomotiva” against “17 Nëntori” (0–2 in Tirana and 3–0 in Durrës).
• “Dinamo” securing advancement against “Vllaznia” (0–1 in Shkodra and 3–1 in Tirana).
• “Labinoti” advancing past “Naftëtari” following a goalless draw (0–0 in
Q.Stalin) and a 2–0 win in Elbasan.
Quarter-finals: The quarter-final stage produced a high-stakes clash between two giants of Albanian football, “Partizani” and “Dinamo.” After two legs (2–1 and 0–0), the army-backed red side reached the semi-finals, where they met “Labinoti”—who had eliminated “Flamurtari” of Vlora in two dramatic legs (1–2 in Vlora and 4–1 in Elbasan).
1975 “Labinoti” – Elbasan
Semi-finals:
• “Labinoti” pulled off a major upset by eliminating “Partizani” over two legs: a 1–0 home win in Elbasan and a historic 2–0 victory in Tirana.
• “Lokomotiva”, having previously defeated “Shkëndija” (2–0 and 0–1), narrowly edged past “Besëlidhja” of Lezha (0–0 / 1–0).
“Besëlidhja’s” run to the top four was the headline story of the tournament. The Lezha team, having overcome “Apolonia” in the second round, booked their place in the quarter-finals by prevailing on penalties against “Luftëtari” of Gjirokastra after a two-legged tie (1–0 / 0–1).
The Finals and Coronation
March 9, in Durrës (First Leg): Lokomotiva – Labinoti 0–1 The winning goal was scored by Namik Hysi. The match was refereed by Lulzim Konçi.
March 14, in Elbasan at the “Ruzhdi Bizhuta” Stadium (Second Leg): Labinoti – Lokomotiva 1–0 The second leg was decided by an 87th-minute strike from Mitrollari. The match was officiated by a trio from Shkodra, led by referee Tahir Kalaçi alongside assistants Tef Prela and Adem Halili.
With two identical 1–0 victories, “Labinoti” was crowned winner of the Republic Cup for the first time in its history.
Winning Squad (“Labinoti”):
• Goalkeeper: Albert Guda.
• Players: Ferdinand Lleshi, Sotiraq Gugu, Fisnik Hasekiu, Mihal Gjika, Frederik Jorgaqi, Astrit Sejdini, Dhimitër Gjika, Bashkim Tirana, Kujtim Kaloti, Nevruz Duçka, Kujtim Dalipi, Namik Hysi.
• Head Coach: Agron Stringa.
Meanwhile, “Lokomotiva” featured notable names from Durrës football, including Maksut Leshteni, Naim Allaj, Fatmir Hima, and others.
Earlier that same year, in January 1975, “Labinoti” had also faced “Dinamo” (1–1), winning the final of the “Sporti Popullor” Newspaper Cup following a penalty shootout.
ARCHIVAL TABLE (1974/75)
Round 2
First Legs [Jan ?]
• 17 Nëntori Tiranë – Lokomotiva 2–0
• Partizani – Besa 6–0
• Punëtori Albpetrol – Luftëtari 0–1
• Vllaznia – Dinamo 1–0
• Labinoti Elbasan – Naftëtari 0–0
• Flamurtari – Traktor Lushnjë 1–0
• Skënderbeu – Shkëndija Tiranë 0–0
• Apolonia – Besëlidhja 0–0
Second Legs [Jan ?]
• Lokomotiva – 17 Nëntori Tiranë 3–0
• Besa – Partizani 2–1
• Luftëtari – Punëtori Albpetrol 3–0
• Dinamo – Vllaznia 3–1
• Naftëtari – Labinoti Elbasan 0–2
• Traktor Lushnjë – Flamurtari 1–1
• Shkëndija Tiranë – Skënderbeu 2–1
• Besëlidhja – Apolonia 2–1
Quarter-finals
First Legs
• Dinamo – Partizani 1–2
• Besëlidhja – Luftëtari 1–0
• Lokomotiva – Shkëndija Tiranë 2–0
• Flamurtari – Labinoti Elbasan 2–1
Second Legs
• Partizani – Dinamo Tiranë 0–0
• Luftëtari – Besëlidhja 1–0 (Besëlidhja advanced on penalties)
• Shkëndija Tiranë – Lokomotiva 1–0
• Labinoti Elbasan – Flamurtari 4–1
Semi-finals
First Legs
• Labinoti Elbasan – Partizani 1–0
• Besëlidhja – Lokomotiva 0–0
Second Legs
• Partizani – Labinoti Elbasan 0–2
• Lokomotiva – Besëlidhja 1–0
14 March 1975: Mihal Gjika and Maksut Leshteni before the second Leg Final of “Rrepublic Cup” (Albanian Cup) in Elbasan
Finals
• First Leg [Mar 9]: Lokomotiva Durrës – Labinoti Elbasan 0–1
• Second Leg [Mar 14]: Labinoti Elbasan – Lokomotiva Durrës 1–0 (Note: Date as listed in original archival table)
© Copyright by Pjerin Bj
Bronx, New York: October 3, 2026
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