In the opening game of the Premium Liiga, defending champions FCI Levadia kicked off their season with an impressive 5-0 win against newcomers Harju JK Laagri. The first goal of the season came from Estonian defender Tanel Tammik, who scored in his debut match for Levadia.
Before the league started, FCI Levadia secured their ninth Super Cup title in a thrilling match, edging past Nomme Kalju 3-2. Gambian player Bubacarr Tambedou scored the winning goal in the 83rd minute.
Levadia’s Spanish manager, Curro Torres, made minimal changes to the lineup from the Super Cup game, keeping nine of the eleven original starters. The exceptions were goalkeeper Karl Andre Vallner, who was suspended after receiving a red card in the last season’s final, and Bubacarr Tambedou, who replaced Ahmad Gero, another goal scorer from the Super Cup.
Harju’s lineup featured three new players, including Latvian goalkeeper Ivans Baturins, who returned after a season in Lithuania, and former Tallinna Kalev defender Kaspar Laur.
The first goal came early in the match, with Tanel Tammik scoring in the 9th minute. Levadia executed a short corner, and after Enock Otoo’s shot was saved by Baturins, Tammik pounced on the rebound to make it 1-0.
Levadia doubled their lead in the 26th minute when Richie Musaba tapped in a pass from Peetson after a corner kick, bringing the score to 2-0. They continued to dominate, leaving Harju’s defense struggling.
In the second half, Harju’s situation worsened as they conceded two goals in rapid succession. Enock Otoo scored from long range in the 47th minute, and just moments later, Kaspar Laur accidentally redirected a cross into his own net, making it 4-0.
Otoo added his second goal in the 63rd minute with a precise shot from outside the box that went under the crossbar, leaving the goalkeeper with no chance.
Harju nearly scored a consolation goal when substitute Kristofer Piht intercepted a back pass and had a chance to score. However, he hit the post instead.
FCI Levadia maintained their clean sheet and secured a well-deserved victory. They will face Tammeka in their next league match on Saturday and play against Tallinna FC Zapoos in the Estonian Cup quarter-finals on Tuesday. Meanwhile, Harju will aim for their first goal and points of the season when they host Tallinna Kalev next Sunday.
FCI Levadia – Harju JK Laagri 5:0 (2:0)
Goals: Tammik 9′, Musaba 26′, Tambedou 47′, Otoo 63′, Laur 49′ (Own goal)
Yellow Card: Laur 15′, Reimaa 39′
Levadia: Ani – Tur, Peetson, Tammik, Schjonning-Larssen – Ainsalu, Alexander (Agyiri 46′) – Joao Pedro (Kirss 72′), Musaba (Roosnup 64′), Otoo (Zakarlyuka 63′) – Tambedou (Gero 64′)
Harju: Baturins – Jarve (Kartau 84′), Kaevats, Laur, Antonov (Kelement 69′) – Reimaa, Roomussaar, Ribeiro (Suppi 69′), Rudenko – Eerme, Kriis (Piht 72′)
Referee: Martti Pukk