In 1876, together with other Albanians who were called to serve in Istanbul for Osman Pasha, he was ordered to the front in Bulgaria, Plevne, where a battle had developed, turning it to one of the most fierce battles in Europe at that time. He led a battery of men granted to him by Osman Pasha. During the fierce fighting against the Russians, Bulgarians, Moldovans, and Romanians at the battle of Plevna, Sefe was injured and lost one eye. After that he was nicknamed Sefe Qorri meaning "Sefe the blind". After the fighting, he was granted passage home in Koshare, close to Ferizaj is modern day Kosovo. As a veteran of war, Sefe enjoyed the respect of Osman Pasha who had used Sefe's courage as an inspiring figure.