Tammik’s national team debut and goal!

The Estonian men’s national team defeated Kenya 5–4 in a penalty shootout after a 1–1 draw in regular time in the opening match of the FIFA Series tournament held in Rwanda. Estonia’s goal in regular time was scored by FCI Levadia defender Tanel Tammik, who was making his debut for the national team.

Estonia’s starting lineup included Karl Andre Vallner, Kristo Hussar, Kevor Palumets, Kristofer Käit, Patrik Kristal, captain Rauno Sappinen, Tanel Tammik, Michael Schjönning-Larsen, Markus Poom, Mattias Männilaan and Erko Jonne Tõugjas.

Estonia had the first good chance when Schjönning-Larsen broke through on the left wing, but his shot from the edge of the penalty area went wide. In the 20th minute, Männilaan earned a corner, taken by Palumets. The precise cross found Tammik, who opened the scoring with a header in his debut match. After the opening goal, the game became more balanced, and in the 44th minute Kenya created a dangerous chance, but Vallner made the save.

Kenya started the second half more sharply, and in the 51st minute Ryan Ogam was played through behind the Estonian defense and scored into the far corner past Vallner. In the 64th minute, Männilaan had a shot from 20 meters, but it narrowly missed. Soon after, head coach Jürgen Henn made several substitutions, bringing on Alex Matthias Tamm, Markus Soomets, Vladislav Kreida, Ioan Yakovlev and Karel Mustmaa. However, the changes did not alter the course of the match, and regular time ended 1–1.

In the penalty shootout, Tõugjas, Schjönning-Larsen, Tamm, Sappinen and Soomets scored for Estonia, while Yakovlev missed. Vallner made an important save, and Kenya’s final attempt went wide.

In addition to Tanel Tammik, Kristofer Käit and Mattias Männilaan also made their national team debuts.

Tanel Tammik’s comment: “I believe it’s hard to wish for a better national team debut. Starting in the starting lineup in your first game and even scoring a goal is something you could only dream of before Friday’s match. Now it’s reality, and an even greater relief to the personal emotions was that we reached the final. After the game, there was certainly a huge sense of satisfaction and happiness. Wearing the national team jersey always brings a feeling of pride. One major milestone has now been achieved. I approach the final with positive thoughts. We know what awaits us. The analysis has been done, and as a team we are ready for the battle.”

Rwanda awaits on Monday

In the other FIFA Series semifinal, Rwanda defeated Grenada 4–0, meaning Estonia will face Rwanda in the final on Monday at 20:30 Estonian time. The match will be broadcast live on ETV2.

Estonia’s matches take place at the Amahoro Stadium, which has a capacity of over 45,000 spectators. The stadium was built in 1986 and most recently expanded in 2024.

The FIFA Series tournaments are a continuation of the successful pilot project from 2024. While Estonia is participating in one of the two tournaments held in Rwanda, other four-team groups are hosted by Australia, Azerbaijan, Indonesia, Kazakhstan, New Zealand, Puerto Rico and Uzbekistan. Three women’s FIFA Series tournaments are held in Brazil, Ivory Coast and Thailand.

Photo: Liisi Troska, jalgpall.ee