IF Elfsborg fought back to earn a draw against Halmstads BK at Örjans Vall on July 24, 2026. The match was halted for 20 minutes after an HBK flag was set alight in the Elfsborg supporters’ section, but Arbër Zeneli equalized in the 80th minute to secure a 1-1 result. The side now sits 8th in Allsvenskan with 40 points from 30 games, 12 wins, 4 draws and 14 losses.
What happened at Örjans Vall?
The clash between Halmstads BK and IF Elfsborg was paused in the 75th minute after an HBK banner was ignited in the Elfsborg end. Play resumed just over 20 minutes later once safety was confirmed. Match delegate Per Eliasson told TV4 the break was needed to ensure order and no injuries were reported before restarting.
Halmstads BK had led 1-0 when play stopped, a win that would have marked their first of the season. But Elfsborg returned with intensity after the delay and pushed hard. Zeneli, who had opened the scoring, added the equalizer in the 80th minute.
Player reactions: frustration and understanding
Arbër Zeneli mixed frustration with acceptance over the delay. He told Fotbollskanalen he grasped the rules but still felt let down. Zeneli argued flares and similar displays belong to football, yet 20 minutes was too long. He said: I was a bit disappointed, really. In the end it turned out well, we got the goal.
Halmstads BK defender André Boman made clear his side couldn’t blame the delay for the dropped points. He said: Of course they benefited from it. That’s how they take a point today, because the break happened. Boman added Elfsborg handled the situation better than HBK.
IF Elfsborg captain Niklas Hult agreed the rules were strict but necessary. He said: That’s just how the rules are. No one ever wants matches stopped. Hult stressed the team was satisfied with the final score.
Why the delay became a turning point
The 20-minute pause disrupted rhythm for both sides, but especially Halmstads BK, who lost momentum. Zeneli noted 20 minutes was too long for muscles to stay warm. He said: When it’s 20 minutes, or more, the muscles stiffen. You’re not as warm anymore.
Boman said he didn’t mind fans burning flags, but the pause hurt the players. He said: Of course it’s sad when things burn. We want to play football, not have pauses.
IF Elfsborg’s Allsvenskan standing
With 40 points from 30 games, IF Elfsborg sit 8th in Allsvenskan. They’ve scored 45 goals but conceded 51, leaving them with a goal difference of minus 6. They trail leaders Mjällby AIF by 35 points and next face Västerås SK FK at home on August 16, 2026.
