Lika coached Albania U21 team for the remaining four matches of 2002 UEFA European Under-21 Championship qualifiers. His first match in charge was the goalless draw against Greece on 1 June 2001. He led Albania to the first win of the qualifiers on 31 August where they overwhelmed Finland 3–0 at home. Albania finished Group 9 in the last position with only four points, all taken with Lika in charge.
