FC Volendam plays a draw against national champion Albania under the Turkish sun

FC Volendam drew 1-1 against FK Partizani today during the training camp in Belek, Turkey. It was the first match led by new coach Regillio Simons, who opted for a B team against the Albanians. Substitute Zach Booth was responsible for the only Volendam goal in the second half.

Achraf Douiri in possession of the ball on behalf of FC Volendam – Photo: photo: Sonny Sier / FC Volendam

At FC Volendam, many basic players did not play. For example, Robert Mühren, Xavier Mbuyamba, Oskar Buur, George Cox, Benaissa Benamar, Calvin Twigt and Bilal Ould-Chikh were all not used by Simons.

Partly because of this, FC Volendam had a difficult time in the opening phase and the initiative lay with the reigning national champions of Albania. However, the biggest opportunity in the first half hour was for FC Volendam. A free kick from Achraf Douiri went one meter over the goal.

On the counter

Despite having a lot of ball possession, FK Partizani hardly became dangerous. Barry Lauwers only had to make his first save after 35 minutes. However, winger Tedi Cara’s shot was an easy target for the goalkeeper. FC Volendam then lurked on the counter with the speed of Garang Kuol and substitute Ibrahim El Kadiri. The number 17 of the Premier League no longer became really dangerous in the first half.

Text continues below the photos.

To view this content you must accept cookies.

Even after tea, FK Partizani was the team with the most ball possession, but now it became dangerous. Substitute goalkeeper Kayne van Oevelen first had to save a header from close range and moments later saw a long-range shot fly narrowly wide. Halfway through the second half, FC Volendam still had to concede the goal. Luis Bircaj broke the spell on behalf of the Albanians: 1-0.

It took a long time New Orange Not to be sad, because within three minutes the score was equal again. Zach Booth had just come on and scored the equalizer. In the last fifteen minutes, FK Partizani had a number of good opportunities to win, but FC Volendam was spared a second goal.

Premier League

FC Volendam will play another practice match in Turkey on Monday, January 8. The Swiss FC Winterthur is then the opponent. The next day the selection returns to the Netherlands. FC Volendam will resume its Premier League season on Sunday, January 14, with a home match against Almere City.

FC Volendam line-up: Lauwers (Van Oevelen/46); Plat, Tol, Van Duijl, Douiri; Nazih (De Haan/70), Le Roux (Mirani/46), Van Driel (El Kadiri/31), Van der Horst; Farm, Kuol (Booth/70)

💬 Don’t want to miss anything from NH Sport?

  • Watch NH Sport on TV every Monday at 5:10 PM
  • Listen to NH Sport on NH Radio on Friday from 7 p.m. to 10 p.m. and Sunday from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m
  • Like our Facebook page or follow us Twitter



ttn-18