Silkeborg IF wrapped up their final warm-up match with a 2-1 win away to AaB in Aalborg, built on a strong first half. The visitors struck after three minutes when Rami Al Hajj broke free on the right and lifted the ball over the goalkeeper. Eight minutes in, Aske Andresen made a calm save after a cross from the home side. The lead doubled on 16 minutes as Callum McCowatt’s cross from the right ran through to Villads Westh on the edge of the area, and he finished firmly for 0-2.
Match Overview and Key Performances
Silkeborg controlled most of the opening half and limited AaB’s chances. After 26 minutes, Al Hajj launched a quick break that sent Oliver Ross clear; he found McCowatt in the box, but the shot was saved. AaB improved before the interval and created their best chance with a header over the bar from a left-sided cross.
At halftime, Silkeborg brought on Younes Bakiz and Melker Jonsson for Oliver Ross and Alexander Priesborg. The second half was more even. On 51 minutes, Andresen dealt with an AaB counterattack. Seven minutes later, Bakiz intercepted just beyond midfield and tried a long-range effort with the goalkeeper advanced, but it cleared the crossbar. New arrival Lucas Riisgaard sparked a promising three-on-two break in the 66th minute, though his cross found no teammate. Four minutes later, Mathias Kubel cut in from the left and pulled one back for AaB to make it 1-2.
Chances were scarce after that, but AaB pushed hard for an equaliser. Andresen produced a key stop at the right post on 81 minutes and another important save five minutes later from close range. Silkeborg held firm to secure a deserved away win in their last preseason test.
Silkeborg IF begin the new 3F Superliga campaign away to Randers FC on Monday, 27 July at 19:00. With their solid performance in the warm-up match, they will aim to carry this momentum into the league.
Silkeborg IF starting lineup: Andresen; Østrøm; Westh; Ross; McCowatt; Larsen; Al Hajj; Priesborg; Kirk; Møller; Lorents.