In a dramatic and hard-fought Latvian Cup final, FK Auda stunned the footballing establishment once again, defeating Riga FC 2-1 to lift the trophy for only the second time in the club’s history. The hero of the night was undoubtedly Eduards Dašķevičs, a player on loan from Riga FC themselves, who delivered a masterclass performance with a crucial assist and the match-winning goal.
Riga FC, chasing their third Latvian Cup title and their second trophy in a matter of days, made several changes to the lineup following their recent league outing against Tukums. Marko Regža led the attack, with Anthony Contreras and Emīls Birka also earning starting roles. FK Auda, meanwhile, fielded their strongest possible XI, taking advantage of the fact that their Riga loanees – including Dašķevičs and Paulo Eduardo – were eligible to play in the final.
The opening exchanges offered little excitement for the packed stands at the national stadium, as both sides struggled to carve out clear chances. However, Auda were the first to strike – and fittingly, two players with Riga connections made the difference.
Dašķevičs’s initial cross was cleared, but the winger immediately regained possession, whipping in a second ball that found Jackson Kenio, a former Riga player, who calmly slotted home to give Auda a surprise 1–0 lead.
The tempo picked up quickly after the opener, with tackles flying in and referee Kristaps Ratnieks kept busy issuing yellow cards to both sides. Riga eventually found their equalizer before the break – a well-crafted goal from a set piece. Joao Grimaldo delivered a precise cross, Anthony Contreras flicked it on, and Marko Regža was there to nod it home from close range. The sides went into halftime level at 1-1, each capitalizing on their solitary major chance.
Both managers were forced into changes before the restart. Auda’s forward Enzo Monteiro was replaced by Kemehlo Nguena after picking up a knock, while Riga’s El Bachir Ngom made way for Karl Wassom under similar circumstances.
The second half mirrored the first in intensity – a physical battle with few clear-cut opportunities. Dašķevičs found himself on the receiving end of several heavy challenges from his parent club’s defenders, yet he remained Auda’s most dangerous outlet.
The decisive moment arrived in the 75th minute. Moments after Riga substitute Iago Siqueira came close with a curling free kick that drifted inches wide, Auda punished a defensive mistake at the other end. Ahmed Ankrah lost possession in midfield, and Auda broke forward swiftly. Receiving the ball on his weaker foot, Dašķevičs unleashed a stunning low strike past Krišjānis Zviedris, restoring Auda’s lead and sending their fans into frenzy
Riga threw everything forward in the dying minutes, forcing three consecutive corners in added time. But Auda’s defense stood tall, repelling every delivery with discipline and composure.
When the final whistle blew, the celebrations erupted – FK Auda were crowned Latvian Cup champions once more, writing another unforgettable chapter in the club’s history. The victory not only brings silverware back to Auda but also secures them a coveted spot in the UEFA Conference League next season – while BFC Daugavpils miss out on European qualification as a result.
Riga FC vs FK Auda – 1:2 (1:1)
Goals: Regža 39’ | Kenio 22’ Dašķevičs 77’
RIG: Zviedris – Birka (Toņiševs 54’), Ngom (Wassom 46’), Černomordijs, Jurkovskis – Ankrah, Galo (Siqueira 60’) – Diop (Mankenda 85’), Contreras (Ramires 60’), Grimaldo – Regža
AUD: Ozols – Erquiaga, Ouedraogo, Eduardo, Meļņiks, Hrvoj – Gerold (K.Kone 88’), Jackson Kenio (Clemente 68’), I.Kone, Dašķevičs – Monteiro (Nguena 46’)
