Randers FC vs Sonderjyske

Sønderjyske needed just five minutes to open the scoring. Midfielder Elias Hjort-Pedersen let fly from outside the box, his shot taking a deflection on its way past the Randers goalkeeper to make it 1-0.

Randers responded through W. Caddy in the 18th minute, slotting home after a well-worked attacking move to level at 1-1.

But parity lasted only three minutes. Hjort-Pedersen turned provider, whipping an excellent cross to the far post where Anders Bergholt arrived to score with a clean finish, restoring Sønderjyske's lead at 2-1.

Randers pushed for an equaliser before half-time, but the Sønderjyske defence held firm, and new goalkeeper Berkant Bayrak made a sharp stop to preserve the 2-1 advantage at the break.

Sønderjyske came out strongly after the interval. In the 52nd minute, Mohamed Cherif collected the ball at the far post and calmly slotted into the net to make it 3-1.

Randers refused to fold. A quick counter-attack in the 58th minute caught Sønderjyske in possession, and M. Themsen finished to cut the deficit to 3-2 and set up a nervy final half-hour.

Randres had chances to draw level. Bayrak produced a vital save shortly after the goal, tipping away a close-range effort as the home side pushed forward.

Deep into stoppage time, substitute Omran Khatar made the points safe. Tobias Klysner delivered a low cross from the right, and Khatar slid in to redirect it past the goalkeeper for 4-2.

Sønderjyske's third goal, scored seven minutes into the second period by Mohamed Cherif, was decisive. It came at a moment when Randers had momentum from the 2-1 halftime scoreline, and the 3-1 cushion forced the home side to chase the game, leaving gaps that Sønderjyske nearly exploited further on the break. When Randers did pull one back, the lead was still intact and the visitors had the breathing room to absorb pressure.

• Elias Hjort-Pedersen (Sønderjyske): A goal and an assist inside the first 21 minutes. His deflected opener set the tone, and his cross for Bergholt showed quality delivery from wide areas.
• Anders Bergholt (Sønderjyske): Scored the crucial second goal with a well-timed run and finish at the far post.
• Omran Khatar (Sønderjyske): Came off the bench to score the insurance goal in the 90th minute, sliding in to meet Klysner's delivery.
• Berkant Bayrak (Sønderjyske): The new goalkeeper made several important saves, particularly a sharp stop after Randers cut the lead to 3-2.

Player of the match: Elias Hjort-Pedersen — involved in two of the first three goals.

Sønderjyske managed six different scorers across the match with three in the first half, reflecting the attacking intent Abdirahman has instilled in his first week of training. The 4-2 scoreline suggests an open game with defensive lapses on both sides — typical of a first pre-season friendly where match fitness is still building. Randers created chances after going 3-1 down and were not dominated, but conceded late when pushing for an equaliser.

For Fatah Abdirahman, the result represents a statement start to his tenure as Sønderjyske head coach — especially against Randers, where he served as assistant from 2023 until his move this summer. The 34-year-old used the match to give minutes to a squad missing several first-choice players through international duty, injury and recovery, with a number of U19 prospects featuring.

Sønderjyske continue their pre-season on 3 July at home against Norwegian champions Viking FK at Haderslev Atletikstadion. Randers face Vejle Boldklub on the same date as their next friendly.

Both clubs are preparing for the 2026/27 Danish Superliga season, which kicks off later in July. Randers finished 9th in the 2025/26 regular season, while Sønderjyske were in the Championship round.

A productive first workout for both sides. Sønderjyske's combination of youth and experience clicked in attack, and Abdirahman's influence was visible in the willingness to shoot from distance and attack the box. Randers competed well for stretches but were undone by individual moments of quality at both ends of the pitch. Pre-season form means little on its own, but Sønderjyske will take clear encouragement from the performance.