The dismal run is finally over: Lithuania secured a 2:0 victory in Moldova, bringing an end to a 17-match winless streak.
This friendly match marked Žygimantas Baltrūnas’ debut in the Lithuanian jersey. It also featured the long-awaited return of striker Armandas Kučys, who had been sidelined for much of 2025 with an ACL injury.
For Moldova, there was an interesting presence in goal, with Emil Timbur starting between the posts. The 28-year-old had a stint with FK Panevėžys from June 2024 until February 2025.
A small group of Lithuanian fans made the trip to Moldova and could be heard chanting at various moments throughout the match.
The first genuine chance fell to Moldova in the 30th minute, when centre-back Ion Bors found himself in space inside the box with little defensive pressure. However, his effort on target went straight into the hands of Lithuania’s goalkeeper.
However, just three minutes later, the opening goal came at the other end. Following a well-worked move involving Armandas Kučys and Pijus Širvys, the latter delivered a precise cross into the box, allowing the Lithuanian captain Justas Lasickas to score with a well-placed header.
Although Lithuania went into half-time with the lead, Moldova created several dangerous chances that could have resulted in an equaliser before the break.
Moldova began the second half with an aggressive approach, and in the 47th minute came close to equalising when a header struck the post.
Nevertheless, despite Moldova’s increased pressure compared to the first half, Lithuania doubled their lead. Star midfielder Gvidas Gineitis found the net in the 71st minute with a superb left-footed strike from outside the box.
The next and final match of the campaign will be played against Georgia on March 29 at Kaunas’ Darius and Girėnas Stadium.
Moldova vs Lithuania – 0:2 (0:1)
Goals: J.Lasickas 33′ (LT)| | G.Gineitis 71′ (LT)
MD: E.Timbur, I.Revenco (S.Platico 55′), I.Bors (M.Stefan 77′), V.Baboglo (D.Tonica 77′), M.Gherasimencov (D.Dumbravanu 46′), D.Forov, V.Rata (V.Fratea 55′), I.Cararus (T.Lungu 46′), S.Perciun (A.Boiciuc 62′), D.Puscas (V.Stina 77′), P.Popescu (N.Rotaru 62′)
LT: E.Gertmonas, P.Širvys (A.Tutyškinas 83′), E.Utkus, V.Armalas (E.Girdvainis 83′), Ž.Baltrūnas (M.Burba 46′), J.Lasickas (K.Upstas 76′), G.Gineitis, M.Vorobjovas (G.Matulevičius 76′), G.Sirgėdas (L.Michelbrink 46′), T.Kalinauskas (D.Šešplaukis 60′), A.Kučys (E.Dubickas 60′)
