AB Copenhagen vs Helsingborg

Helsingborg came out stronger in the second half, but the decisive moment arrived in the 67th minute. Casper Grening, introduced at half-time, received a pass from Søren Ilsøe on the edge of the box before his shot was deflected for a corner. From the resulting set piece, AB had three efforts before the ball found the net. Søren Ilsøe's finish via the post went over the line, with the assistant referee immediately raising his flag before Tobias Hageltorn could add a touch. The goal at 2-0 effectively killed the contest.

Milan Silva Rasmussen (AB Copenhagen) — The forward, who previously played for Helsingborg, scored the opening goal after just two minutes with an exquisite finish from outside the box. He was a constant threat in the first half before being substituted at the interval. Named Player of the Match.

Søren Ilsøe (AB Copenhagen) — The midfielder scored the second goal and was instrumental in both halves, playing a key role in the build-up to the corner that produced the 67th-minute strike. His work rate in midfield was tireless in the heat.

Adam Benediktsson (AB Copenhagen) — Made a vital save in the first half after Helsingborg intercepted a loose pass, keeping the clean sheet intact. AB's defence held firm throughout.

Noah Ibsen (AB Copenhagen) — Impressed in central defence, showing composure on the ball and strong positioning. He looks like a candidate to replace the long-term injured Adrien Koudelka.

AB's 2-0 win reflected a game controlled by the Danish side, particularly in the first half. The 2nd-minute opener — the earliest goal possible in a pre-season friendly — set the tone. AB's high press forced Helsingborg into mistakes, and the hosts created several clear chances beyond the two goals. The heat (prompting water breaks in both halves) slowed the tempo in the second period, but AB's defensive structure remained solid, with Helsingborg's best chance striking the crossbar after Benediktsson misjudged a cross. The clean sheet was AB's first in pre-season after a 1-1 draw with FC Roskilde in their previous friendly.

AB Copenhagen — who play in the Danish Betinia League (2nd Division) — have now gone unbeaten in two pre-season friendlies (1-1 vs FC Roskilde on 7 July, then this 2-0 win). They continue their preparations for the start of the Betinia League season on 24 July 2026 away at Vejle. Next up: two training matches on 18 July — against Brønshøj (13:00) and B93 (16:00).

Helsingborgs IF, who sit 9th in the Swedish Superettan after 14 games, used the friendly as a mid-season training exercise during their summer break. The Swedish side's league campaign resumes later in July.

A professional and well-executed pre-season performance from AB Copenhagen, who controlled the game from start to finish. Milan Silva Rasmussen's early strike and Ilsøe's second-half goal were the difference, but the clean sheet — built on a disciplined defensive display — will be equally pleasing for head coach Fannar Berg Gunnólfsson. Helsingborg offered little in attack and will need more sharpness when their Superettan season resumes.