In a gripping Eliteserien contest at Kristiansund Stadion, Kristiansund BK delivered a spirited comeback to defeat Molde 2-1, overturning an early deficit and disrupting Molde’s playoff ambitions in dramatic fashion.

Molde seized control in the opening phases, dictating possession—an imposing 63% to Kristiansund’s 37%—and struck first blood in the 21st minute. Magnus Wolff Eikrem found space at the edge of the box after a crisp buildup, latching onto a pinpoint pass from goalkeeper Sean McDermott and finishing calmly for the opener.

Despite trailing, Kristiansund showed resilience, weathering waves of Molde attacks in the first half. Goalkeeper Adrian Sæther was called into action repeatedly, denying sharp efforts from Jalal Abdullai and Emil Breivik, while holding the line through seven shots on target and six crucial saves. Kristiansund managed only fleeting moments of counterattacking threat, with midfielder Henry Sletsjoe flashing wide in their best first-half chance.

The tide turned after the interval. Five minutes into the second half, the home side found the equalizer: Mustapha Isah capitalized on a well-worked move, finishing off a David Tufekcic assist, igniting Kristiansund’s belief and energizing the crowd.

Molde remained dangerous, with Abdullai and Hestad probing for a response, but Kristiansund’s defense held firm. The game’s decisive moment arrived in the 61st minute. A soaring corner from Axel Kryger met the head of Marius Olsen, whose powerful finish sent Kristiansund ahead 2-1. The stadium erupted; Molde, shell-shocked, struggled to regain their earlier fluency.

Intensity spiked as Molde pressed for an equalizer, earning multiple corners and nearly breaking through via substitute Fredrik Gulbrandsen. Substitute Syver Skundberg Skeide and Rezan Corlu shored up Kristiansund’s midfield, absorbing late pressure. The visitors grew frustrated, collecting yellow cards for Samukelo Kabini (54’) and N. Kasanwirjo (86’). Kristiansund’s discipline and focus—only one booking themselves—proved vital in the closing stretch.

Statistically, Molde outshot Kristiansund 15-12 and completed nearly double the passes, but lacked the ruthlessness to convert territorial dominance into goals. Kristiansund, dogged and opportunistic, executed set-pieces and transitions with precision.

With this win, Kristiansund climbs in the table, reaffirming their home fortress reputation and casting doubt over Molde’s top-six ambitions. A result earned through determination, tactical clarity, and pivotal individual performances—especially Sæther and Olsen—this match will linger in the memory as a classic home upset in Norway’s top flight.

For extended highlights and expert analysis from reputable channels with more than 50,000 followers, see the recaps from Fox Sports and SportyTrader, which capture the match’s defining moments and tactical turning points.