In Oslo’s autumnal chill, Valerenga claimed a vital 1-0 victory against Tromso, with Mohamed Ofkir’s late strike providing a decisive lift to the hosts’ Eliteserien campaign. The drama peaked in the 88th minute when Ofkir converted a slick assist from P. Meliga, rewarding Valerenga’s resilience in a contest defined by narrow margins and flashes of attacking intent.

Tromso arrived at Intility Arena in enviable form, boasting three consecutive league wins and statistical superiority throughout Saturday’s encounter. The visitors dictated the tempo with a commanding 61% possession, amassing 12 total shots—but Valerenga’s defensive discipline kept them at bay, anchored by a composed back four and timely interventions from goalkeeper Oscar Hedvall.

Valerenga, meanwhile, were forced to absorb heavy pressure for long periods, registering 11 shots (five on target) as they probed for weaknesses on the break. Coach Geir Bakke’s decision to stick with a 4-3-3 formation ultimately paid dividends, with Henrik Bjørdal and Carl Lange providing creative thrust from midfield, and Ofkir’s energy providing a constant threat.

The match’s first half unfolded as a chess match, punctuated by assertive pressing and a flurry of midfield duels. Tromso’s Ieltsin Camoes and Vegard Erlien sought openings but found progress repeatedly stymied by Vålerenga’s compact lines. By halftime, neither side had broken the deadlock, with chances at a premium and yellow cards looming as tempers flared.

As the match wore on, tactical substitutions—most notably Valerenga’s tweaks in attack—lent urgency to the closing stages. Tromso’s defense, marshaled by Leo Cornic and Vetle Skjaervik, looked to have secured a hard-earned point until the 88th minute. On a rare foray forward, Meliga surged down the wing, pulling back for Ofkir, who showed composure to finish beyond Jakob Haugaard for the match’s only goal.

Tromso’s late efforts, including a final corner in stoppage time and Cornic’s booking for dissent, could not salvage a point. The result leaves Valerenga with a crucial boost in their pursuit of mid-table security, while Tromso’s inability to convert possession into goals sees them drop valuable ground in the race for European qualification.

The official match recap, including extended highlights and post-match analysis, is available on the official Eliteserien YouTube channel, which boasts well over 50,000 subscribers and provides authentic, professionally produced recaps. These highlights underscore Valerenga’s defensive organization and Ofkir’s match-winning composure, while also capturing Tromso’s frustration at a missed opportunity to solidify their upper-table standing.

In a season where every point matters, Valerenga’s late surge may prove a turning point—both in their confidence and their campaign’s trajectory.