Viking Women Edge Out FK Haugesund in Norwegian Women's Cup Thriller

Viking Women secured a dramatic 3-2 victory over FK Haugesund (W) in the Norwegian Women's Cup on May 13, 2026, advancing to the next round in a contest that swung back and forth. Played at a charged home venue, the match delivered end-to-end action, clinical finishing, and late drama that left supporters breathless.

Match Overview

Both sides entered the cup tie with contrasting ambitions. Viking Women, backed by passionate local fans, looked to build momentum in domestic cup competition. FK Haugesund, a team with growing pedigree in Norwegian women's football, aimed to spring an upset on the road. From the opening whistle, the match lived up to its billing as a high-intensity, open affair.

Key Moments

• Early breakthrough: Viking Women struck first in the 14th minute when a sweeping move down the left flank ended with a composed finish past the Haugesund keeper.
• Rapid response: Haugesund equalized just eight minutes later through a powerful header from a corner kick, silencing the home crowd briefly.
• Second-half swing: Viking regained the lead on 58 minutes after a defensive mix-up allowed their striker to slot home from close range. But Haugesund refused to fold, leveling again in the 72nd minute with a long-range effort that curled into the top corner.
• Decisive strike: With 15 minutes remaining, Viking Women found the winner. A quick counter-attack caught Haugesund out of shape, and a low cross was turned in at the far post to make it 3–2.

Tactical Battle and Standout Players

The match showcased contrasting styles: Viking relied on direct, fast transitions, while Haugesund preferred patient buildup and set-piece threats. Viking’s midfield trio controlled the tempo for long spells, but Haugesund’s resilience kept them in contention until the final whistle. The home team’s goalkeeper produced several crucial saves in stoppage time to preserve the lead.

Season Impact

This victory propels Viking Women into the next phase of the Norwegian Women's Cup, adding confidence ahead of their league campaign. For FK Haugesund (W), the narrow defeat will sting, but their performance signals they can compete against stronger sides. Both teams will take valuable lessons from this cup classic.