Inter Turku Shatters Ilves’ Dreams as HJK Falls at Home and Oulu Ascends to Veikkausliiga Summit

Inter Turku 2-1 Ilves

Inter Turku staged a dramatic comeback to clinch a 96th-minute winner against Ilves, who have now recorded consecutive losses to start their season.

Ilves faced a challenging opener against KuPS, but appeared to be on the right track midway through the first half when they were awarded a penalty. Roope Riski dispatched the spot-kick into the top corner, marking his first goal of the season.

Frustrated by a goalless draw against VPS in their opening match, the home team managed to equalise in spectacular fashion in the 74th minute, when Loic Essomba delivered a precise cross from the right wing that was volleyed in by Alie Conteh—a memorable first goal for FC Inter from the newcomer.

The turnaround was completed deep into stoppage time, thanks to an inviting corner from Janne-Pekka Laine that was expertly headed home by 18-year-old former Inter Milan academy player Ilari Kangasniemi, clinching his first goal for Finland’s Inter.

HJK 0-1 AC Oulu

A 3-0 triumph over SJK in the season opener had suggested that HJK were regaining their form under new manager Joonas Rantanen, especially after a disappointing end to 2025. Expectations were high this afternoon as they retained the same starting lineup.

However, midway through the first half, they were stunned when Lamine Ghezali broke free down the right and delivered a delicate cross to Elias Kallio, who controlled the ball and clinically finished into the bottom corner.

In response, HJK struggled to create enough opportunities, managing just three shots on target throughout the match, none of which qualified as clear-cut chances, as Oulu secured all three points—marking their second win of the season following a 5-1 demolition of Gnistan in their opener.

KuPS 1-0 Gnistan

The reigning champions are also off to a perfect start, with maximum points from two matches, as they inflicted a second consecutive defeat on Gnistan.

KuPS controlled the match with 75% possession and produced 25 shots, yet they found it difficult to breach a defence that appeared more solid than in previous outings.

However, their determination finally crumbled nine minutes from time, when Saku Savolainen headed a deep corner back across goal to Jaime Moreno, whose half-volley left Gnistan’s keeper with no chance, leaving Gnistan and Ilves as the only teams yet to secure any points this season.