Sarpsborg 08 are through to the semi-finals of the Norwegian Cup for the first time since 2017, thanks to a standout performance from 19-year-old goalkeeper Mamour Ndiaye in a dramatic penalty shootout against Rosenborg.
With the quarter-final clash level at 2-2 after extra time, the match was ultimately decided from the spot, where Ndiaye emerged as the star of the evening.
Not only did the young Senegalese keeper save Rosenborg’s first two penalties, he also stepped up to convert the decisive spot-kick himself, sealing Sarpsborg’s place in the final four.
The victory marks a significant milestone for the club, which last reached the semi-finals eight years ago during a memorable cup run that featured a breakout performance from fellow Senegalese talent Krépin Diatta.
On that occasion, Diatta scored five goals in five matches as Sarpsborg advanced to the final.
For en type Mamour Ndiaye er. Først redder han de to første straffene i straffekonken. Så går han frem og sender tilbake lagkameraten som skulle skyte og avgjør selv.
Potensial til å bli en levende legende. Sånne profiler trenger norsk fotball mer av. pic.twitter.com/KrCaD6e0y2
— Sean {ʀ}øskeland (@Seanrosk) June 25, 2025
This year, it is Ndiaye who has etched his name into club folklore.
His calm presence between the posts and unexpected composure in front of goal proved instrumental in ousting Rosenborg, a club with a rich history in the competition.
Under the guidance of manager Christian Michelsen, Sarpsborg are now preparing to take on Viking, the current leaders of the Norwegian top flight, in the semi-finals.
A win would send the Blue and Whites to their third-ever final as they continue the pursuit of a maiden Norwegian Cup title.
“Mamour was incredible tonight,” Michelsen said after the match. “He gave us the belief we needed during the shootout, and for him to step up and take the final penalty—that says everything about his character.”
The teenager’s rise has been meteoric. Having joined the club with limited experience at senior level, Ndiaye’s fearless display under pressure has instantly made him a fan favourite and underlined his growing reputation in Scandinavian football.
The shootout drama capped a tightly contested match in which Sarpsborg had taken the lead before being pegged back twice by Rosenborg.
With both sides unable to find a winner in extra time, the stage was set for Ndiaye’s defining moment.
As Sarpsborg edge closer to a historic cup triumph, the contributions of a young Senegalese goalkeeper have offered fresh hope—and perhaps a glimpse of a bright future for club and player alike.
Voici les demi-finales d’NM Cup !🚨🏆
Kristiansund recevra Lillestrøm, tandis que Sarpsborg accueillera Viking dans un duel 100% Eliteserien.👀
Le club de Stavanger est clairement le favori de la compétition à ce stade, mais… attention, car la performance d’aujourd’hui n’a… pic.twitter.com/0q4sGRRxM0
— Nordisk Norvège 🇳🇴 (@NordiskNorvege) June 25, 2025
