Sirius secured a key 2-0 home victory over Degerfors at Studenternas IP on Saturday, a win that sends the team into the final stretch of the season with a seven-point lead at the top of Allsvenskan. It was the team's first home win in four matches and their second consecutive league victory.
The win was set up early. After just 76 seconds, Sirius player Ahmad Faqa was forced to put the ball into his own net under pressure. "It's obviously tough for any player to score an own goal," Faqa said. "But it's a dangerous situation, you can think about doing it better and learn from it."
Before halftime, Melker Heier sealed the points. The 25-year-old midfielder made it 2-0 from a Marcus Lindberg pass in the 44th minute. It was Heier's first goal for Sirius since October 2024, ending a two-year drought. "It feels good to find strength together with our supporters and give them a home win, and really get a boost," Heier said after the match.
With this win, Sirius stays at the summit. The team now has 48 points from 21 rounds and leads second-placed Djurgården by seven points. Nine games remain. Manager Kim Engelmark saw his side keep a clean sheet and create several dangerous chances.
For Degerfors, led by Henok Goitom, the defeat means they continue to struggle at the bottom. With 19 points they occupy the relegation play-off spot, level with Kalmar but with an inferior goal difference. Meanwhile, both Djurgården and Hammarby won their matches in the same round, keeping the title race intense.
Sirius's form over the last five games reads three wins and two defeats. Following the win over Degerfors, an away fixture against 15th-placed Orgryte IS awaits next. The team's top scorer this season is R. Ure with 15 goals in 15 appearances. Sirius plays next on Friday.
This story first appeared at Aftonbladet Sportbladet
