Sikan’s Early Strike Looked Set to Be Enough
For most of the night at 3Arena, this one looked like Anderlecht’s. Danylo Sikan smashed in a free-kick just six minutes in, and Anderlecht spent the rest of the match protecting that lead — even down to ten men for the last quarter hour — before Hammarby finally got their equaliser deep into stoppage time. 1-1, first leg of the Europa League qualifying tie done.
Sikan’s goal was a proper hit. Free-kick from about 25 yards, curled it into the top corner with his right foot, Warner Hahn had no chance. Hammarby tried to answer straight away — Victor Eriksson smashed one in himself a minute later, but Coosemans got across and kept it out. Karlsson and Besara both had half-chances as the half wore on too. Hahn had to be sharp near the break as well, denying Ali Maamar to keep things close at halftime.
Ten Men, But Anderlecht Hold On — Until the 89th Minute
Second half, similar story for a long while. Anderlecht rang the changes as it went on, and it got harder for them in the 78th minute — Nathan Saliba, second yellow, off. Down to ten for the rest of it. Hammarby kept pushing and pushing, and finally got there in the 89th. Frank Adjei, himself a sub, scored off a Paulos Abraham assist. 1-1, right at the death, home end going a bit mental.
What It Means Next
Point each heading into leg two, but this one clearly stings more for Anderlecht. Led basically the whole game, down to ten men late, and still let it slip in the final minute. Tie’s level, heads to Brussels on 30 July, still wide open.
Match Summary
Hammarby 1-1 Anderlecht UEFA Europa League, Second Qualifying Round, 1st Leg — 3Arena, Stockholm Thursday, 23 July 2026 Referee: D Robertson
Goals: 6′ Danylo Sikan (Anderlecht) 0-1 89′ Frank Adjei (Hammarby) 1-1 (assist: Paulos Abraham)
Red card: Nathan Saliba (Anderlecht), 78′ — second yellow
Result: Hammarby and Anderlecht draw 1-1 in the first leg. The tie heads to Brussels level, with the second leg on 30 July.
For live Europa League qualifying scores and coverage, visit fawanews. Full results and bracket at the official UEFA Europa League website.
