Daniel Anyembe impresses at centre-back despite Viborg's loss to Nordsjaelland as Timothy Ouma helps Elfsborg back to winning ways

Daniel Anyembe impresses at centre-back despite Viborg's loss to Nordsjaelland as Timothy Ouma helps Elfsborg back to winning ways

Mark Kinyanjui 19:14 - 03.11.2024

Anyembe, who has been featuring at left-back for his club for a number of games, was deployed as a centre-back during the clash.

Harambee Stars defender Daniel Anyembe showcased versatility in Viborg FF’s narrow 2-1 defeat to Nordsjaelland during a Danish Super Liga clash on Sunday afternoon.

Anyembe, primarily utilised as a left-back this season, was fielded as a centre-back, and his performance did not disappoint. He demonstrated exceptional composure in duels, achieving a 100 percent success rate in both aerial and ground battles. 

His precision passing, with a 94 percent completion rate, further underlined his adaptability and proficiency in a different role.

The match began with Viborg applying high pressure, creating some early half-chances. However, it was Nordsjælland who struck first in the 6th minute when Benjamin Nygren delivered a cross that found Peter Ankersen, who slotted it home with precision.

 Viborg’s efforts to level the score were thwarted when a potential equaliser by Charly Nouck was ruled out for a prior foul.

Despite Viborg’s persistent efforts and a solid defensive showing that kept Nordsjælland at bay for most of the first half, misfortune struck in the 43rd minute. 

Goalkeeper Oscar Hedvall initially saved Marcus Ingvartsen’s penalty, only for an attempted clearance by Oliver Bundgaard to end up in the back of Viborg’s net.

Five minutes into the second half, Bundgaard redeemed himself by scoring Viborg’s only goal with a powerful shot from the edge of the box, reducing the deficit to 2-1. 

However, as the match progressed, Nordsjælland regained control and denied Viborg further opportunities to equalize, leaving Anyembe’s solid defensive performance as one of the team’s few highlights.

Meanwhile, in Sweden, Harambee Stars midfielder Timothy Ouma played for 45 minutes in IF Elfsborg’s crucial 1-0 victory over Vasteras SK in the Allsvenskan. 

Ouma made his presence known with a key pass and maintained a passing accuracy of nearly 89 percent, completing 16 out of 18 passes. He also won three of his eight ground duels before being substituted at halftime.

Elfsborg secured their lead just before the break when Rami Kaib’s shot deflected off a defender and found its way into the net. Despite both sides having chances throughout the first half, Elfsborg capitalized on their opportunity in added time to make it 1-0.

The second half saw Elfsborg maintain pressure with a high tempo in their attacking play. They thwarted Västerås’ attempts at building from the back and intercepted loose passes, maintaining defensive solidity that ensured the visitors posed no significant threat to goalkeeper Isak Pettersson.

Ouma’s contributions in midfield helped set the tone for Elfsborg’s disciplined approach, allowing them to take all three points in their final home game of the season.