Tammeka clinch second away win over Kuressaare in three weeks

In the 20th round of the Estonian Premium Liiga, Tartu JK Tammeka once again proved too strong for FC Kuressaare on the road, defeating them 2–0 for the second time in just three weeks.

Despite recent reinforcements, including experienced midfielder Ilja Antonov — who has played 52 matches and scored twice for the Estonian national team — Kuressaare was unable to find form. Although Antonov recently signed with the club, currently sitting second-to-last in the table, he did not yet feature in the squad.

Kuressaare made three changes to their starting lineup compared to their previous 2–3 loss against Narva Trans. New summer signing Pihela started, while Saar missed out due to card suspension. Dõmov replaced Smirnov, and Demidov, back from suspension, took Lipp’s place. Meanwhile, Tammeka made two changes from their 2–3 defeat to Tallinna Kalev. Lang was suspended and Atanda absent, while Veelma returned from suspension and Laabus made his first start of the season.

Tammeka made an explosive start: in the 4th minute, Koskor intercepted a poor back pass from Prunn. Although his initial one-on-one attempt was saved by Nõmm, Basher pounced on the rebound and calmly slotted the ball into the net to give Tammeka a 1–0 lead.

Moments earlier, Kuressaare had a promising chance from a long throw-in by Leivategija, but Demidov’s shot was blocked by Tammeka keeper Aland.

Tammeka earned their first corner shortly after, though the cross by Veelma sailed over everyone. Drama followed when Basher went down injured without visible contact and required medical treatment. He returned shortly after, but not before Kuressaare dominated possession, though without a breakthrough.

Basher remained a constant threat, testing Nõmm again in the 29th minute, before delivering a golden opportunity to Koskor, who missed the target from close range. The rest of the half was dominated by Tammeka, with Tanimowo causing problems down the flank. The half ended 1–0 in favor of the visitors.

No substitutions were made during the break, but once again Tammeka struck early. In the 49th minute, Miil’s shot was parried by Nõmm, and after a scramble in the box, the ball deflected in off Kuressaare’s Kobin — to make it 2–0.

From then on, Kuressaare was forced to chase the game. But Tammeka’s Tanimowo continued to create chances as he broke past Prunn and delivered a dangerous ball across the goal, which Lipp cleared off the line.

In the 63rd minute, Tammeka was awarded a penalty after Pedmanson went down under contact from Dõmov. However, Koskor’s effort was weak and straight down the middle — Nõmm saved it and Koskor fired the rebound just wide of the post.

Tammeka kept pressing. Koskor and Laabus both forced saves from Nõmm, who remained Kuressaare’s standout performer. On the other end, Lipp struck the post following a corner in one of Kuressaare’s few dangerous moments. Yet Tammeka almost added a third shortly after, with Tanimowo’s shot tipped over the bar by the Kuressaare keeper.

The match ended 2–0 in favor of Tammeka, who scored early in both halves and looked the more dangerous side throughout. With this win, Tammeka now sits seventh in the league table with 19 points, while Kuressaare drops to ninth with 14.

FC Kuressaare vs Tartu JK Tammeka – 0:2 (0:1)
Goals: Basher 4′, Kobin 50′ (Own goal)
KUR: Nomm, Kobin, Pihela, Pajunurm, Prunn, Sinilaid (Smirnov 70′), Domov, Demidov, (Lipp 58′), Leivategija, Iljin, Kivi (Pevtsov 70′)
TAM: Aland, Miil, Laabus, Karis, Veelma, Epton, Pedmanson (Burov 82′), Uggeri, Koskor, Tanimowo (Ignatius 82′), Basher

Premium Liiga Matchday 20 games:

• 21.06.2025 – FCI Levadia vs Nomme Kalju FC – 3:1
• 21.06.2025 – Paide Linnameeskond vs FC Flora Tallinn – 2:1
• 11.07.2025 – FC Kuressaare vs Tartu JK Tammeka – 0:2
• 12.07.2025 – Parnu JK Vaprus vs JK Narva Trans – 14:30
• 13.07.2025 – JK Tallinna Kalev vs Harju JK Laagri – 14:30