AC Oulu began their pre-season preparations with a 1-0 victory over JIPPO in a Club Friendly match on January 18, 2026. The solitary goal, scored in the second half, was enough to separate the two sides in a contest focused on fitness and tactical drills. AC Oulu, building towards their upcoming competitive season, looked the sharper of the two teams and controlled large periods of the game. This win provides a positive start to their friendly schedule and allows the manager to assess his squad. For JIPPO, the match served as a useful exercise to shake off rust and build match fitness ahead of their own campaign.