Stabæk made quick work of HamKam in the first round of the Norwegian Cup on Friday, seeing off their opponents 2-0 at the Brumunddal Arena. The visitors took control early and never looked back, advancing to the next stage with a comfortable margin. It was a straightforward evening for those travelling south.
F. Krogstad broke the deadlock in the 50th minute, his finish finding the back of the net after a period of patient build-up. By then, it was clear Stabæk were in control of the tie, moving with purpose through the middle third. HamKam threw bodies in the way but could not stem the flow.
J. Hanstad sealed the result in the 83rd minute, capitalising on space left open by a tired defence. The goal put the game to bed early, leaving little doubt about who would progress. HamKam had no answer to the shift in tempo.
Statistics tell a flat story here — both sides registered half possession each, with no shots or corners to differentiate them. But the result speaks louder than numbers. Three or four moments decided this, not a sustained campaign of pressure.
Stabæk arrive in this knockout stage in fine form, having won their last five matches including a 6-0 thrashing of Hødd and a 4-0 victory over Egersunds. HamKam, meanwhile, have lost their last two outings against Lyn and Strømsgodset. The gap between them is not just on the scoreboard.