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Paide jalgpallihall, Estonia. Year opening friendly match both for FCI Levadia Tallinn and Tartu JK Tammeka, in an indoor environment, covered with artificial turf. After a goalless first half, the clash ended with a 3-1 win for FCI Levadia Tallinn, making a comeback from one goal down.

As last games for both sides were played back in November of 2024, this clash was an important step to assess the physical conditions and the teams status.

FCI Levadia Tallinn, under its Spanish assistant coach José Soto, started the match in a 4-1-3-2 reminiscent shape, with Robert Kirss and Mousta Bah up front. It was known, the team will travel for a winter training camp held in Spain but before that, they play two friendly games in Estonia – including this one. The main tactic was, trying to dominate in all areas of the pitch with a confident ball possessing game mixed with swift passes. Oliver Ani, goalkeeper of the team, had to face the opponents in 1v1 situations several times – all ended with presenting great saves and shot blocks.

After not finding the net in the first half, they changed all eleven starting players in the break, which resulted the same dominating game but with making more heavy pressure on the opposing defense.

Tartu JK Tammeka, led by its young and talented coach Marti Pähn, started this clash in the shape of 4-4-2, which was often formed to a 2-4-4, when they started to build up the team’s offensive play from the back (as we can see below).

In the first half, they had several promising attempts to take the lead; the shot of Kevin Burov in the 31st minute was one of these biggest efforts. The main focus was on to make dynamic counter-attacks after gaining the possession from FCI Levadia Tallinn’s dominance – which more or less worked effectively during the first 45 minutes of play. For the second half, as the opposing team did, the coach changed the whole team to send a lot of young, 2006-2007 born players to the pitch – who were quite motivated and enthusiastic but were facing a very tough task in the form of resisting the heavy pressure.

(Tartu JK Tammeka player, Kevin Burov in a chance to take the lead for his team)

In terms of the goals scored, the second half was significant. In the 51st minute, Mattis Karis (Tartu JK Tammeka) hit the net by a header, after a long free-kick was taken (0-1). Levadia had to switch the tempo to a higher level, which resulted the equalizing goal in the 62nd minute: scored by Richie Musaba (1-1). Ten minutes later, Musaba did it again: finished the action with a hit, ‘changing’ the great low cross of the team’s young left-back Hubert Liiv to goal (2-1). The final result (3-1) came up in the 80th minute, when Gambian striker Bubacarr Tambedou converted the penalty he won to Levadia’s third goal.

Who were the best potential players in this match?

Mohamed Ouertani (FCI Levadia Tallinn), defensive midfielder born in 2008.

It was Mohamed’s debut game for the senior team. Played as defensive midfielder; often stepped back to the position of the CB during building up from the back. Was quite confident, brave and initiative, especially in terms of asking for the ball. Started to make pressure on his opponents in time and with great level of aggressiveness; demonstrated several good tackles and ball interceptions through the period he played. His excellent positioning and off the ball movements always gave quality support for his teammates. Here you can find a more detailed, individual article of Mohamed, and here an Esiliiga match against FC Elva, where he was also highlighted.

Jevgeni Tšernjakov (FCI Levadia Tallinn), right centre-back/right-back born in 2007.

Jevgeni is a quite tall player with very good physical structure and strength; demonstrated superb positioning and off the ball movements, back in the defensive zone. Right-footed player, made confident short passes/short distributions on his team’s half; was solid and determined enough, when he had tasks to stop the opponents by physical way. Communicated and tried to control his teammates by showing great leadership abilities – can be described as potential (defensive) leader of the team. Was able to cover the passing lanes, as well as to make important interceptions in crucial areas, or simply to make effective clearances.

Enock Otoo (FCI Levadia Tallinn), attacking midfielder born in 2004.

Enock, player from Ghana, new signing for FCI Levadia Tallinn – was arrived from Danish Superliga club Lyngby BK, few days before this clash. He is a fairly fast-paced player who also represents great agility, mobility and quickness on the ball. Strong in dribbling; prefers to dribble and to move with the ball, trying to break the opposing team’s defensive line. Showed good level of aggressiveness at pressing; his focus was on to force the defenders and the goalkeeper to make personal and/or technical mistakes. Can lead energetic and dynamic attacks (including counters); was able to speed up the play as well as to be quick at the transitions. Quite good at receiving the balls between the lines. Main taker of long free-kicks, in addition he is the ‘right’ player to make efforts from various spots of the pitch.

To FOLLOW also FCI Levadia Tallinn Guinean-Spanish striker Mousta Bah (2005), left-back/centre-back Hubert Liiv (2007) and attacking midfielder Maksimilian Skvortsov (2007); and Tartu JK Tammeka right-back Laurits Õunpuu (2005), right centre-back Mait Vaino (2007), central midfielder Karl Kiidron (2007) and defensive midfielder/centre-back Mattis Karis (2006).

Other players (from older age groups) also can be highlighted; FCI Levadia Tallinn Dutch-Congolese attacking midfielder Richie Musaba (2000), right-back Frank Liivak (1996) and Gambian striker Bubacarr Tambedou (2002).

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