Ilves finished as runners-up in the just-ended season which automatically qualified them to play in Europe’s second-tier competition in the 2024/25 season.

Umar, who was a key figure for the side is expected to be at the heart of defense during the qualifiers.

The former Ghana U-20 captain was impressive in the just-ended campaign. Umar played 1112 minutes in all competitions for Ilves.

Umar before the just-ended campaign also won the Finish the Cup after Ilves recorded a 2–1 win over Honka, their fourth Finnish Cup win.

Following his impressive performance, Umar has been linked to several clubs in France, Germany and Italy.

His performance in the Finish League has increased his price tag significantly according to transfermarkt.

Mohammed Umar will hope his fine performance will earn him a place in the Black Stars.

The game was held at the Helsinki Olympiastadion on Saturday afternoon.

Despite being a key figure for the side, Umar found himself an unused substitute in the climactic match.

Nevertheless, his team’s formidable performance culminated in a 2-1 triumph, marking Ilves’ fourth Finnish Cup championship in a resounding display of skill and determination.

The head-to-head record for the teams before the encounter was Honka seven wins, Ilves four wins, and five draws.

Lauri Laine scored in the 8th minute to break the deadlock. Ilves now had to fight back to win the game.

Ilves pushed more men forward and the pressure paid off. Tatu Miettunen scored in the 15th minute for the Yellow and Black lads.

Djair Parfitt-Williams scored the winning goal for Ilves in the 27th minute.

Mohamed Umar is the first Ghanaian to win the Finish Cup.

Mohammed Umar started the game in a three-man defense alongside club captain Tatu Miettunen and Seydine N’Diaye.

The 20-year-old started the game and lasted the entire 90 minutes with an impressive performance.

The yellow-greens scored their opening goal in the 17th minute. The visitors’ third corner kick yielded a result when Petteri Pennanen passed the ball to Haarala and the winger sent a hard-spiralling ball into VJS’s box. Ilves captain Tatu Miettunen was able to make contact with the ball and score.

VJS player Karim Jmaali missed a penalty in the 20th minute.

After the break, Pennanen made it 2-0 from the penalty spot to set Ilves on their way to victory.

James Sabit and Adam Larsson scored in the 88th and 90 minutes respectively.

Following the win, Ilves Tampere will take on Oulu in the semifinal clash on August 23.

Mohammed Umar joined Ilves on February 2023 from Ghana Premier League side Medeama. The former Rising Star Academy player won the WAFU in 2017.

The defender has made eight appearances in the 2023 Finnish Veikkausliiga.