Premium Liiga leaders FCI Levadia looked set to take another major step towards the title after breaking the deadlock in the 90th minute, only for Nõmme Kalju to hit back almost instantly and snatch a dramatic 1-1 draw in a breathtaking finish at A. Le Coq Arena in Premium Liiga central Matchday 17 match.
The first half offered little in terms of clear chances. Levadia had more of the ball and slightly more attacking activity, but Kalju goalkeeper Henri Perk dealt well with the few efforts that reached his goal. Bubacarr Tambedou and Abraham Nwankwo both had attempts saved, while Kalju’s best moments came through quick attacks involving Enrique Esono and Ibrahim Jabir.
The game remained tight after the break, although Levadia gradually began to take more control. Wendell had several chances from inside the box but could not find the target, while Tambedou was also denied by Perk after being picked out in front of goal.
The biggest moment before the late drama came when Levadia were awarded a penalty after Joseph Saliste went down following contact with Rommin Siht. Tambedou stepped up with a chance to put the leaders ahead, but Perk produced a crucial save to keep Kalju level.
Levadia continued to push and finally appeared to have found the winner in the 90th minute. Rasmus Peetson broke forward down the left and delivered the ball across the face of goal, where Tambedou arrived to finish from close range and make it 1-0.
However, Kalju responded almost immediately. Just a minute later, substitute Daniil Tarassenkov received the ball inside the penalty area and curled a superb finish into the top corner to make it 1-1, stunning the league leaders and rescuing a point for Kalju.
There was no time for another twist, and the match ended level after a quiet contest exploded into life at the very end. Levadia remain comfortably top of the Premium Liiga table with 43 points after 17 matches. They are 13 points ahead of Flora and Kalju, although Flora still have two games in hand.
The next round will bring a major Tallinn derby, with Levadia hosting Flora. Nõmme Kalju will return home to face Paide Linnameeskond.
FCI Levadia vs Nõmme Kalju – 1-1 (0-0)
Goals: Tambedou 90+4′ | Tarassenkov 90+5′
| # | Team | P | W | D | L | GF | GA | GD | Pts |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 |  FCI Levadia |
17 | 13 | 4 | 0 | 45 | 13 | 32 | 43 |
| 2 |  FC Flora |
15 | 10 | 0 | 5 | 32 | 16 | 16 | 30 |
| 3 |  Nõmme Kalju |
17 | 9 | 3 | 5 | 29 | 14 | 15 | 30 |
| 4 |  Paide |
16 | 7 | 4 | 5 | 24 | 20 | 4 | 25 |
| 5 |  Tammeka |
15 | 6 | 2 | 7 | 17 | 20 | -3 | 20 |
| 6 |  Pärnu Vaprus |
16 | 6 | 2 | 8 | 20 | 31 | -11 | 20 |
| 7 |  Nõmme United |
17 | 6 | 1 | 10 | 33 | 40 | -7 | 19 |
| 8 |  Harju |
17 | 6 | 1 | 10 | 21 | 30 | -9 | 19 |
| 9 |  Kuressaare |
16 | 5 | 2 | 9 | 17 | 26 | -9 | 17 |
| 10 |  Narva Trans |
16 | 3 | 1 | 12 | 11 | 39 | -28 | 10 |
