Kevin Tshiembe made his full debut for Valerenga in their 2-0 defeat to reigning champions Fredrikstad on matchday three of the Norwegian top-flight season.
The Congolese centre-back was handed his first start since joining the Oslo-based club and earned praise for a composed and commanding individual display, even as his side came up short against a clinical Fredrikstad outfit.
Tshiembe’s presence at the back added structure to Valerenga’s defensive line, but the visitors ultimately failed to hold off the sustained pressure from the league leaders.
Valerenga managed to frustrate Fredrikstad for much of the first half, maintaining shape and limiting clear-cut opportunities.
However, their resistance was broken in the closing moments of the half, when the home side found a breakthrough just ten minutes before the interval.
Despite a spirited response from Valerenga after the restart, Fredrikstad doubled their advantage with a second goal 15 minutes from full-time, sealing the result.
Tshiembe’s strong debut came as a rare positive on an otherwise disappointing afternoon for the visitors, who had gone into the fixture unbeaten.
His aerial presence, anticipation, and ability to marshal the backline did not go unnoticed, and his performance earned him a strong post-match rating from Norwegian media.
The defeat marked Valerenga’s first loss of the season, leaving them with four points from their opening three fixtures.
While they momentarily sit in fifth place, that standing may shift depending on the outcomes of the remaining fixtures in the round.
Valerenga will have little time to dwell on the setback, with two important matches looming in quick succession.
They are set to face Gamle Oslo in the opening round of the Norwegian National Cup on Sunday, April 13, before returning to league action on Monday, April 21, with a high-stakes clash against Rosenborg.
For Tshiembe, the coming weeks offer an opportunity to build on the promise shown in his debut.
With Valerenga eager to establish themselves as title contenders in a competitive league campaign, the 25-year-old defender is expected to play a crucial role in their push for consistency and defensive solidity.
Although the scoreline was a disappointment, the manner of Valerenga’s performance — particularly in the first half — suggested that the team has the potential to challenge the top sides.
The introduction of Tshiembe into the starting lineup appears to have added a layer of resilience, and head coach Geir Bakke may look to keep the Congolese international in his defensive setup moving forward.
With the season still in its early stages, Valerenga will be eager to bounce back quickly. The clash against Gamle Oslo presents a chance to regain momentum in cup competition, while the Rosenborg fixture will offer a stern test of their league ambitions.
As for Kevin Tshiembe, his first start may have come in defeat, but his individual performance hinted at a valuable addition to Valerenga’s ambitions this season.
