Scoutmania

Esiliiga season 2025 in Estonia started on the first day of March, with three games – including the clash of last year’s runner-up team Viimsi JK in opposition of FC Elva, which ended with a spectacular 3-3 draw.

Viimsi JK, finishing as 2nd placed team in the previous competition, had big chance to participate in the Meistriliiga for season 2025; they played two intense, narrow promotion play-off games against the highest tier’s 9th placed club JK Tallinna Kalev – but because of a goal conceded in the extra-time, the opposition team secured its place in the Meistriliiga (with 2-1 on aggregate).

FC Elva on the away side, finished 8th in the Esiliiga season of 2024, so they had to play two relegation play-out matches against Esiliiga B bronze medalist team TJK Legion. Despite of the pressure, Elva stayed in the league by demonstrating fairly confident performances in both games (3-0 win away, 6-0 win at home).

Through the previous Esiliiga competition, Viimsi JK won three of their four league matches over FC Elva, beside of ending one by a 1-1 draw.

Viimsi JK, led by its long serving coach Ivo Lehtmets, started the match in a 4-3-3 reminiscent formation. After reaching the second place in the last season, their ambitions to play among the best teams of Estonia were still high. As we used to, they wanted to practice their dominance on the opponent team already at the beginning of the match. Viimsi’s offensive play carried great opportunities and serious threat; Colombian striker Yeremy Angulo should be mentioned as the main ‘danger’ of the team. Team captain, Johann Kõre was the leader of the midfield as well as the main playmaker, by organizing the play even from depths. The team’s strong mentality and great character were shown as they made a comeback in the second half, from three goals down.

FC Elva, under the guidance of Kaido Koppel, played in similar (4-3-3) shape like the opposing team. Their play was well-organized, in terms of all sections and phases; and as it was predictable, they put significant attention to the hard physical challenges, especially in the midfield zone. The massive defensive play of the team was completed with dynamic and effective counter-attacks, which had important role in having the lead by three goals before the break. The delivered balls to the middle often took the form of long throw-ins – Georg Lani made them from the left flank while his teammate, the newly signed Sierra Leonean player Abu Bakarr Bangura also had his attempts, from the right side. It was delighting to see how the players helped/supported each other; the good teamwork and teamplay definitely are key factors, which the team can build on in the near future.

In the 15th minute, Devid Lehter (FC Elva) was the one who took the lead, by a brilliant chipped shot performed from tight angle (0-1). Nine minutes later, his teammate Ruuben Jaagant doubled the lead, by taking the advantages of a given opposing ball (0-2). Still before the break, Georg Lani made a cross from the left by one-touch, Abu Bakarr Bangura in the middle headed the ball towards Peeter Alev, who found the net by his right-footed volley (0-3).

After both teams could refresh theirselves during the half-time, Viimsi scored a consolation goal: team captain Johann Kõre took a free-kick, and Rasmus Laidvee headed the ball to the opponent team’s goal (1-3). In the last 15-20 minutes of the play, Viimsi substitution player Raivo Saar‘s moments came up: scored two goals in the 79th (2-3) and 90th (3-3) minutes, with saving one point for his team in this spectacular and ‘twisty’ clash.

In this article we will describe more in details only one player per team who ‘stood out’ in this match (if you are interested in finding out about the other talents in this game you can buy our full match report):

Johann Kõre (Viimsi JK), defensive/central midfielder born 2004.

Johann was wearing the captain’s armband in this game. He can be described as leader and main playmaker, who demonstrated several creative solutions and good decisions. Intelligent player whose movements were full with awareness; his presence and play definitely gave stability and balance for Viimsi JK. Technically gifted one; wasn’t afraid of the physical challenges nor contacts. Main taker of the set pieces. Showed high potential in addition to a great performance.

Abu Bakarr Bangura (FC Elva), right winger born 2005.

Abu Bakarr, a player from Sierra Leone, who arrived from local team Bo Rangers FC, few days before this clash. He has good pace and acceleration (both on and off the ball) hand in hand with good changing of the tempo. And he was able to gain (or regain) the possession in the midfield zone; meant to be serious threat by his long throw-ins delivered from the right flank. In the 41st minute, made an assist to his teammate Peeter Alev, by a great head pass.

If you wish to buy the full report of this match please feel free to reach out via our ‘Contact us’ page.

If you like it please SUBSCRIBE to the blog and you will receive all future articles and our upcoming offers.