Coming into the game on the back of a storming comeback to earn a point in Dublin, the visitors were the first to fashion an opportunity on goal with 10 minutes on the clock. Stefan Posch’s ball into the area from near to the right touchline found Michael Gregoritsch unmarked, with the forward’s looping header from close to the edge of the area was tipped over the crossbar by Amir Saipi.
Austria continued to dominate throughout the first half with plenty of possession but struggled to turn their domination into a clear-cut chance before half-time.
Kosovo were almost presented with a gift three minutes before the break was when a misplaced back pass from Xaver Schlager was intercepted by Vedat Muriqi, but goalkeeper Alexander Schlager came off his line just in time to close down the space and make an important block with his outstretched right leg to ensure the game remained goalless at the interval.
The Austrian goalkeeper was called into action again six minutes into the second half when he got across to save Lumbardh Dellova’s volley from just outside the area, and although Baton Zabergja tapped home on the rebound, he was comfortably offside and the goal was ruled out.
Having struggled to get going again in the early stages of the second half, Das Team could have threatened the Kosovo goal on the hour mark when the ball was worked to Romano Schmid on the right side of the area, however, despite having plenty of time and space the attacker opted to cross the ball and the Dardanet were able to clear their lines.
A stalemate looked the likeliest outcome as the game approached the closing stages, but with 20 minutes remaining Kosovo were able to break the deadlock with a goal of real quality as some neat interplay freed Edon Zhegrova, who broke into the area before squaring to Fisnik Asllani whose first-time finish found the left corner.
The home fans were dreaming of a first head-to-head victory, but five minutes remaining a long throw into the area was glanced into the path of Lang who directed his header past Saipi to break Dardanet hearts with his first international goal on just his second appearance.
The result sees Austria remain top of Group B3 on eight points, while Kosovo stay second for the time being.
Flashscore Man of the Match: Edon Zhegrova (Kosovo)