Gambia international Njogu Demba scored a 45th minute goal to aid his Brann side to a c home victory against Lillestrom in the Norwegian Tippeliga on Sunday.

The athletic striker set up forward-pair Einarsson to open the scoring in the 22nd minute before the visitors grasped an equaliser five minutes before half-time.

Hopes were restored when the former Panathinaikos, FC Kerkira and Esbjerg striker, coiled in a stunning free-kick to earn his first league goal and in effect aided the champions to land their second win in five league matches.

Sunday’s victory saw Brann climbed up to ninth position in the fourteen-team league table on seven points, four points behind the leaders, Stabaek.

Bundesliga club Hamburger SV have signed Burkina Faso international Jonathan Pitroipa for next season.

Club officials said they had long pursued the 21-year-old midfielder, who transfers from German second-division club SC Freiburg.

Hamburg sports director Dietmar Beiersdorfer said Pitroipa will stay with the club until 2012 but no transfer fee has been paid.

"We've observed Jonathan closely and are certain that he'll make our team."

Pitroipa has scored four goals for Freiburg this season.