Esbjerg fB faced a tough challenge as they lost 2-1 to FK Kauno Zalgiris during a high-intensity friendly match at their training camp in Turkey on Tuesday afternoon. Nineteen players were utilized by the Danish side, which managed to equalize early in the second half before conceding a late goal that sealed their fate.
Match Overview: Esbjerg fB vs. FK Kauno Zalgiris
The match began with Zalgiris taking the initiative, pushing Esbjerg back into their own half. Goalkeeper Robby McCrorie was put to the test early on, making crucial saves as the game took on a physical tone. The referee had to step in multiple times to manage the escalating tensions between the players. After about 20 minutes of play, Zalgiris found the back of the net when a free kick was delivered into the box, and an unmarked teammate finished from close range, giving them a 1-0 lead.
Following the initial setback, Esbjerg started to find their footing, earning a series of corners that hinted at a potential equalizer. However, Zalgiris almost extended their lead when they struck the post later in the first half. The halftime score stood at 1-0 in favor of Zalgiris, leaving Esbjerg with work to do in the second half.
Planned changes at halftime quickly turned out to be effective for Esbjerg. Just three minutes into the second half, Noah Strandby skillfully beat his marker and set up Marcus Hansen, who scored after his initial attempt was blocked, leveling the match at 1-1. From there, Esbjerg controlled much of the play, with Zalgiris opting to defend deeper into their half.
Midway through the second half, Strandby unleashed a powerful long-range shot that forced a full-stretch save from the Zalgiris goalkeeper. However, a series of substitutions disrupted Esbjerg’s rhythm, and despite their dominance, they were unable to convert their chances into goals.
In a dramatic twist, Zalgiris capitalized on a midfield error and found the winner just three minutes before the final whistle, taking the score to 2-1. Despite Esbjerg’s efforts, no further goals were scored, leaving them with a disappointing result in their friendly match. This match served as a valuable experience for Esbjerg as they prepare for their upcoming challenges in the season.