The quarterfinal matches of the Estonian Cup were held yesterday and today, culminating in the selection of four semifinalists. There were no significant upsets, as all lower league teams have now been eliminated, with the final four teams coming from the Estonian top flight.
Yesterday, FCI Levadia easily defeated the lower league side Tallinna FC Zapos with a score of 7-0. Levadia scored five goals in the first half and added two more in the second half to secure the victory. Notably, 19-year-old Guinean striker Mousta Bah scored three of the goals.
In another match on the same day, two Premium Liiga teams faced off as Parnu JK Vaprus traveled to Narva, ultimately suffering a 3-1 loss against JK Narva Trans. The standout player for the home side was Burkina Faso striker Pierre Kabore, who netted a hat trick. Kabore scored twice in the first half, and after Vaprus’ 16-year-old forward Paalberg pulled one back in the 60th minute, Kabore completed his hat trick in the 71st minute, leading JK Narva Trans to their seventh semifinal appearance in the last eight years.
Today, the remaining quarterfinal matches featured second division side FC Tallinn hosting JK Tallinna Kalev, followed by a match between Premium Liiga teams Nomme Kalju FC and Paide Linnameeskond.
In the first match, the favorites, JK Tallinna Kalev, lived up to expectations with a dominant 5-0 victory, securing their spot in the semifinal. The second match was much more intense, as both teams remained scoreless for 90 minutes. However, in the first minute of added time, Nomme Kalju FC forward Nikita Ivanov scored the decisive goal, eliminating last year’s Estonian Cup finalists, Paide Linnameeskond.
The draw for the Estonian Cup semifinals will take place on March 10th.
