Brighton began their pre-season European campaign with a goalless draw against their Norwegian opponents, missing opportunities while surviving a late scare.
The two clubs will face each other again at the Amex Stadium on Thursday for the decisive second leg of their Conference League qualifier.
The Seagulls controlled the game throughout but failed to break down a disciplined Tromso defence.
In goal, Brighton stopper Verbruggen made a crucial intervention late in the match to preserve the clean sheet, matching an earlier excellent save from his counterpart in the opening period.
Tromso nearly snatched victory at the death when defender Vadebu found himself through on goal with defenders trailing, but he dragged his effort wide of the target.
Brighton’s attacking threat came primarily from Osman on the left flank and Yalcouye in the centre of the pitch.
Osman demonstrated his intent to drive forward down the touchline from his starting position on the left wing and enjoyed his brightest moments before the interval.
His acrobatic volley, which flew towards the top corner, was superbly turned away by Haugaard to his right side in the most notable moment of the opening period.
Haugaard, who previously played for Stoke and Wigan between the posts, also produced a solid stop low to his right to deny a powerful strike from Rutter.
For large spells of the first half, Brighton attempted to construct moves through Tromso’s compact defensive shape, enjoying the bulk of the ball.
The visitors managed 21 attempts on goal compared to just one header over the bar from a corner for the home side during the opening 45 minutes, creating several promising situations on the edge of the penalty area.
Every defensive intervention, clearance or misplaced pass by Brighton was met with loud cheers from the capacity Norwegian crowd.
The home team successfully disrupted Brighton’s rhythm.
When Brighton managed to increase their attacking intensity, Gross’s effort was comfortably held by Haugaard.
The visitors might have felt they should have made more of several dangerous crosses from Osman, delivered at speed after beating his full-back down the outside.
A gap exists on the left wing with Mitoma and Minteh both sidelined through injury, and Osman looked dangerous in the first half.
Brighton showed more purpose after the break and pushed hard for a winning goal.
Numerous substitutions were made throughout the second period, with some players requiring position changes as a result.
Kostoulas saw his looping header land on top of the net.
Haugaard was called into action once more, this time diving to his left to keep out Ayari’s effort.
Confidence grew among the home supporters and their team began to believe they could exploit space on the counter-attack with a single pass.
Verbruggen spread himself wide and produced an excellent save when Larsen was released through on goal.
When Vadebu broke through late on and lifted his shot past the tall keeper, it appeared the hosts would carry a slim lead back to the Amex.
Instead, the tie remains perfectly poised at 0-0.
Brighton: Verbruggen; Wieffer, Vuskovic, Boscagli, Kadioglu (Yohanna 88); Yalcouye (Cozier-Duberry 67), Ayari; Gomez (Kostoulas 67), Geoss, Osman (De Cuyper 77); Rutter (Hinshelwood 78). Unused subs: Steele, McGill, Dunk, Costinha, Svoboda, Oriola.
Attendance: 6,015