For the second year in a row – and the fourth time in the last five seasons – FK Auda have booked their place in the Latvian Cup final, defeating reigning champions and cup holders FC RFS 2-0 at LNK Sporta Parks. The win served as sweet revenge for last year’s heartbreaking extra-time loss in the final.
Both clubs came into the semifinal on the back of difficult weeks. RFS, fresh off their European exit, suffered one of the heaviest defeats in their Virslīga history with a shocking 1-4 home loss to FS Jelgava. Auda fared not much better, crashing to their heaviest league defeat since rejoining the top flight in 2022, a 0-6 thrashing against Riga FC.
Despite the collapse against Jelgava, RFS made only two changes: Darko Lemajič and Tayrell Wouter dropped out, with Ismael Diomande and Mor Talla starting. Auda, by contrast, reshuffled heavily after their humiliation against Riga, with seven new starters.
The opening phase saw RFS control possession and carve out half-chances. In the 24th minute, they came agonizingly close when Stefan Panić’s header from a Petr Mareš corner smacked against the crossbar. Panić remained the most dangerous man for RFS throughout the first half, but Auda gradually found their rhythm and began to push forward.
After the interval, RFS lost their grip on the game. In the 68th minute, Auda seized the moment. On loan from Riga FC, Eduards Dašķevičs was fouled just outside the box by Žiga Lipušček. He dusted himself off and converted the resulting free-kick, the ball deflecting off the defensive wall and finding its way past the keeper to make it 1-0 Auda.
Chasing an equalizer to secure their fifth consecutive Cup final appearance, RFS threw men forward, but their hopes were crushed late on. Auda struck on the counterattack: Kader Kone set up Kemelho Nguena, who finished into an empty net to seal a famous 2–0 victory.
The result means RFS relinquish their throne, having reached the final four years running, while Auda continue their remarkable rise, reaching the Cup final for the fourth time in the past five years. Their opponent will be decided tomorrow, when FK Liepāja host Riga FC.
FC RFS vs FK Auda – 0:2 (0:0)
Goals: Dašķevičs 68′ Nguena 88′
