Despite an entertaining encounter at the Loro Borici stadium in Shkoder, both teams lacked cutting edge and in the end had to settle for a share of the spoils that will please neither Slovenia nor Otto Baric`s Albanians.

An action-packed first half saw chances aplenty at both ends, but quality finishing up front was clearly lacking.

The hosts could have taken an early lead after a tangle in the penalty area saw goalkeeper Samir Handanovic on the ground, but defender Matej Mavric was on hand to bang away Erjon Bogdani`s shot.

In the 10th minute, a long ball from Handanovic, picked out forward Klemen Lavric, whose powerful drive from the edge of the penalty area was straight at Arjan Beqaj in the Albania goal.

Five minutes later a Nastja Ceh free-kick from the left was blocked by Albania`s Elvin Beqiri just as the ball looked to be heading in before Robert Koren`s teasing drive flew inches wide.

Another cracking effort came from Slovenia`s Bojan Jokic - his 35-yard thunderbolt parried away by Beqaj at the last moment.

At the other end, a delightful 25-yard curling free-kick from Klodian Duro was tipped over by Handanovic.

In first-half injury time, the best chance of the game arrived when Koren`s pin-point free-kick from the corner flag was met by Slovenia midfielder Anton Zlogar`s header but it went over.

The second half was another tight contest with both teams driving forward but lacking spark in the final third.

The first chance came on the hour mark, when an Altin Haxhi free-kick almost caught out Slovenian custodian Handanovic, before Bogdani`s snap-shot was inches away.

A close shave was to follow in the final minute for the visitors when a Duro corner caused panic in the penalty area and Bostjan Cesar`s forceful clearance saved the day for his team, who at least managed to claim a point.