---
title: "Tammeka secure fifth place in Premium Liiga"
date: 2026-10-31T17:18:56Z
lang: en
author: "Janis Vitols"
canonical: https://balticfootballnews.com/tammeka-secure-fifth-place-in-premium-liiga/
categories: ["Premium liiga", "Premium liiga - match reports"]
---

# Tammeka secure fifth place in Premium Liiga
**Tartu Tammeka secured fifth place in the Estonian Premium Liiga with a hard-fought 2-1 home victory over Harju JK Laagri in Matchday 35. A first-half penalty from Patrick Veelma and a second-half strike from Hydara gave the hosts a two-goal advantage before Binate pulled one back for Harju, setting up a tense finish at Tamme Stadium.**

Following the midweek results, both teams entered the penultimate round knowing that a top-four finish was no longer possible. However, fifth place remained undecided, with Harju needing to win by at least two goals to overtake Tammeka in the standings. Tammeka required only a draw to secure fifth position, although the hosts were determined to finish their home campaign with a victory.

Head coach Karel Voolaid welcomed back three players from suspension, with Thomas Lisboa, Herman Pedmanson and Giacomo Uggeri returning to the starting lineup. Goalkeeper Kristen Lapa also replaced Kristofer Sahtel.

Harju made just one change from their previous match, introducing Andreas Vaher in central defence.

The opening stages were evenly contested, with Tammeka enjoying slightly more possession but neither side managing to create a clear opportunity. Harju thought they had taken the lead in the tenth minute when Binate found the back of the net, but the goal was correctly ruled out for offside.

The visitors created a promising opportunity in the 21st minute when Kelement played Rudenko through on goal. However, Pedro Manoel recovered well to put the Ukrainian winger under pressure, preventing him from producing a clean finish.

The decisive moment of the opening half arrived in the 25th minute when Vaher mistimed a challenge on Lisboa inside the penalty area. The referee pointed to the spot, giving Tammeka an opportunity to take the lead.

Veelma stepped up and struck his penalty towards the centre of the goal. Harju goalkeeper Jan Vainula managed to get his fingertips to the ball, but could not prevent it from crossing the line.

The visitors attempted to respond, with Rudenko continuing to threaten from the right flank. A dangerous cross allowed him to meet the ball with a header from close range, but a defender intervened to concede a corner.

The first half ended with Tammeka holding a narrow advantage after an evenly contested opening 45 minutes.

The hosts continued to look dangerous after the interval and doubled their lead early in the second half through Hydara. Following a pass from Marin, Hydara struck towards the far corner, forcing Vainula into a save that diverted the ball against the post. The rebound travelled across the goalmouth, where Hydara reacted quickest and turned the loose ball into the empty net to make it 2-0.

Harju responded by making three substitutions in the 62nd minute, introducing Assale, Järve and Kajari in an attempt to inject fresh energy into their attack. Tammeka nevertheless continued to create opportunities. Uggeri produced an excellent backheel to set up Moussa Sambe, but the forward’s powerful effort was denied by Vainula.

The visitors eventually found a way back into the contest through Binate. Järve began the attacking move on the right flank before Assale delivered an accurate cross into the penalty area. The Canadian forward rose to meet the ball and headed past Lapa, reducing the deficit to 2-1. The goal gave Harju renewed hope, although they still needed two more goals to overtake Tammeka in the standings.

Tammeka came close to restoring their two-goal advantage in the 86th minute when Pedro Manoel found himself with a shooting opportunity from approximately ten metres following a set piece, but his effort narrowly missed the target.

Harju threw players forward during stoppage time and created several dangerous situations from corners. Eerme came particularly close to equalising when he found space near the edge of the six-yard box, but Lapa rushed out to block his effort.

The hosts then launched a counterattack, with Sambe attempting to score into an unguarded goal. However, his effort lacked sufficient power, allowing Harju’s defenders to recover and clear the danger.

Tammeka survived the frantic closing moments to secure a 2-1 victory and confirm fifth place in the final Premium Liiga standings.

The result takes Voolaid’s side to 53 points with one match remaining, ensuring they finish ahead of Harju regardless of the final round’s results.

**Tartu JK Tammeka vs Harju JK Laagri – 2-1 (1-0)**  
**Goals:** Veelma 28′ (Penalty kick), Hydara 59′ | Binate 74′