2016 Albanian Cup Final

James Adeniyi was the main instrument in Laçi's run to the final, scoring five goals in three appearances, including a hat-trick in a 3–2 win over Bylis Ballsh.

Laçi, of Albanian Superliga, entered the tournament in the first round, against Besa Kavajë of Albanian First Division. The first leg in Besa Stadium, on 16 September 2015, ended in a 3–1 convincing win for Laçi, with manager Armando Cungu who used his best eleven to secure the qualify fast.[4] In the returning leg two week later, Laçi drew 1–1 by using players which were not used too much in the league. Dardan Vuthaj scored the only goal of his team in the 82nd minute.[5]

In the second round, Laçi played their fellow relegation league strugglers Bylis Ballsh. They played the first leg on 21 October which ended in a goalless draw.[6] In the returning leg, however, Laçi won 3–2 thanks to a James Adeniyi hat-trick; Stipe Buljan also scored an own goal in the first half.[7]

Laçi met Partizani Tirana in the quarter-finals, a repeat of the last year's quarter-final. On 23 January at Laçi Stadium, they won 2–0 with second-half strikes of James Adeniyi.[8] In the returning leg on 17 February, the "Red Bulls" won, 1–0, at home thanks to the goal of Xhevahir Sukaj, but Laçi managed to progress into the semi-final for the second consecutive season.[9]

In the semi-finals, Laçi met Skënderbeu Korçë, and won, 1–0, in the home leg on 6 April; Marko Ćetković scored the lone goal in the second half.[10] In the returning leg two weeks later, Skënderbeu won 2–1 but thanks to Ćetković's temporary equalizer goal, Laçi were able to secure a spot in the final thanks to the away goal rule.[11]

Kukësi, also in Albanian Superliga, entered at the same stage against a third-tier opponent, Naftëtari Kuçovë. In the first leg in Bashkim Sulejmani Stadium on 16 September 2015, they suffered a shock defeat 3–1 as the own goal of Gucaj was bounced by the strikes of Kopaçi and Behari;[12] in the returning leg two weeks later at the Zeqir Ymeri Stadium, Kukësi overturned the first-leg results and won 4–1 after extra time; Fjoart Jonuzi scored two decisive goals, including one in the 118th minute of the match.[13]

In the second round, Kukësi met another low-league side, Iliria Fushë-Krujë. In the first leg away on 21 October, Kukësi secured a spot to the quarter-final by scoring five times in the Iliria Fushë-Krujë net.[14] In the returning leg of Albanian Cup second round, the team overwhelmed 3–0 Iliria Fushë-Krujë at home, securing an 8–1 aggregate victory and progression to the quarter-finals. Two goals from Mateus Lima and one strike from Bledar Musolli secured the victory.[15]

In the quarter-finals, Kukësi faced Teuta Durrës. On 23 January, Kukësi was defeated 1–0 at away leg; Ardit Hila scored the lone goal in the 20th minute.[16] In the returning leg at home, Kukësi won 2–0 thanks to the goals from Ylli Shameti and Renato Malota, the centre-backs of the team.[17]

Kukësi were tasked with out of form Flamurtari Vlorë in the semi-finals. In the first leg away on 6 April, Edon Hasani scored an early goal in the 11th minute which was followed by Shameti's header nine minutes later, which almost had qualified Kukësi in the final.[18] On 20 April, in the returning leg of Albanian Cup, Kukësi recorded another 2–0 win against Flamurtari, securing a 4–0 aggregate victory and progression in the final for the second consecutive season.[19]