Pallokerho-35, coached by Portuguese manager Tiago Santos, lined up in a 4-2-3-1 formation. During the build-up phase, one of the midfielders would drop alongside the centre-backs to create a back three, allowing the full-backs to push into more advanced positions (see video below).
PK-35 took an early lead in the 9th minute after a well-worked short corner routine. The move created space for Jasper Pikkuhookana on the edge of the penalty area, and his shot took a deflection that left the goalkeeper with no chance before finding the back of the net (see video below).
Mikkelin Palloilijat, coached by Senegalese manager Issa Thiaw, lined up in a 4-3-3 formation. On goal-kicks, they used third-man combinations to play out from the back under pressure. The right-back moved inside, while the right winger stayed wide to provide width (see video below).
They equalised through young striker Saidy Saibo in the 31st minute after he dispossessed the opposition centre-back and finished calmly to make it 1-1.
The winning goal for Pallokerho-35 came in the 95th minute when Portuguese striker Pedro Diniz converted a cross from right-back Joona Tapani.
Here the players who stood out in this match:
Jasper Pikkuhookana (Pallokerho-35), central midfielder born 2003.
Jasper is a deep-lying playmaker with excellent passing ability and vision. Comfortable with both feet, he consistently found teammates with accurate long passes that stretched the opposition defensive line and delivered dangerous crosses into the box. He scored the opening goal with a shot from the edge of the area that took a deflection on its way in.
Jasper would be a good fit for mid-table teams in Superettan and the OBOS-ligaen. In 3–4 years, he could aim for a move to the top half of the Eliteserien.
Aaron Traore (Mikkelin Palloilijat), centre-back born 2007.
Aaron is calm under pressure and comfortable stepping into midfield with the ball. He plays with good passing weight, helping his team circulate the ball quickly and efficiently. He also drops off with good timing to intercept long passes into space behind the defence. In defensive situations, he is reliable in the air, consistently clearing crosses and heading the ball away from danger.
Aaron would fit well in a possession-oriented team that plays with a high defensive line. His next step could be a move to a Dutch second-division side (Eerste Divisie).
Saidy Saibo (Mikkelin Palloilijat), striker born 2006.
Saidy is a tall, left-footed and physically strong striker who excels in aerial and physical duels. He also has good mobility and finishing ability, which he demonstrated with his goal, curling the ball around the goalkeeper after he had come off his line.
Saidy projects well for top-half sides in Lithuania’s Top Lyga and, in the longer term, has the potential to step up to the Eredivisie or the Belgian Pro League.
Tyson Afshari (Mikkelin Palloilijat), left-back born 2005.
Tyson is a tall left-back with good playmaking ability and strong defensive positioning. He is effective in the air and makes well-timed attacking runs into dangerous areas. Defensively, he reads the game well, intercepting passes, crosses, and switches of play, and providing cover for teammates. He can improve his end product in the final third.
Tyson is an interesting option for low- to mid-table Superettan sides. In the longer term, he has the potential to step up to lower-half Allsvenskan clubs and bottom-six Superliga teams.
