Sarpsborg Women vs Fana Women: match preview on 16 September 2026

Fana Women are the favourites to win this NM Cup fixture, and the confidence level sits at 65%. The basis is straightforward: both sides have identical records of one win and four losses from their last five matches, but Fana's goal difference of minus nine dwarfs Sarpsborg's minus forty-seven. Fana also compete in the REMA 1000-ligaen Women, a tier above Sarpsborg's 1. Division Women status, and that gap in level shows in the numbers.

Sarpsborg's recent form has been difficult. Their only victory came in the NM Cup on 24 August when they beat Halden Women 33:30 away from home. Before that, four defeats followed in quick succession across April and March, including a 22:34 loss to Storhamar 2 Women at home and a 17:35 defeat at Fyllingen Women. The goal tally tells the story: 110 scored against 157 conceded, an average of nearly 31 goals against per match.

Fana's record mirrors Sarpsborg's on paper but reads very differently in practice. Their sole win arrived on 23 August with a 38:20 victory over Stavanger Women in the NM Cup. The other four results were losses in the top flight, including a 20:31 defeat away at Molde HK Women and a 27:31 home loss to Tertnes Håndball Elite Women. They have scored 134 goals while conceding 143, a far tighter margin than Sarpsborg's defensive struggles.

Both teams have played their NM Cup matches away from home in these recent results. Sarpsborg's 33:30 win came on the road, while Fana's 38:20 victory was also away at Stavanger. That pattern suggests both sides have been travelling for cup action rather than hosting, which may influence how they approach this encounter on 16 September.

The conclusion holds as long as Fana maintain their higher-division intensity. A draw would suit Sarpsborg, and given how cup matches can flatten expectations, that remains the main threat. If the home side can contain Fana's attacking threat and exploit any fatigue from league travel, the outcome shifts. Otherwise, Fana's superior goal difference and division status should carry them through.

Outcome: Fana Women win (65% confidence)