An action-packed clash unfolded at Mežaparks Sports Village, where reigning champions Riga FC left it late to secure a dramatic 2-1 victory over FK Auda in the third round of the Tonybet Virslīga. The winning goal came in stoppage time, as Gambian striker Mohamed Badamosi sealed all three points with the final kick of the match.
Coached by Adrian Gula, Riga FC came into the game with one win and one loss from their opening two matches. The visitors handed a first start of the season to Brazilian winger Caio, while Auda were without Hussain Ibrahim and Deniss Meļņiks. In their absence, Wally Fofana made his first start, while Moussa Ouedraogo returned after suspension.
The match got off to a perfect start for Riga, who opened the scoring in just the first minute. Following a set-piece situation, Antonijs Černomordijs flicked the ball on for Andrés Salazar, who headed home from close range to give the champions an early 1-0 lead.
Auda responded well and grew into the game. Their persistence paid off in the 19th minute, when they were awarded a penalty after a foul by Orlando Galo. Josue Vergara stepped up and calmly converted from the spot to level the score at 1-1 for his second of the season.
The remainder of the first half and much of the second saw an intense and physical battle, with both teams creating chances. Riga looked dangerous through Reginaldo Ramires, Iago Siqueira and Caio, while Auda threatened through Vergara, Youba Traoré and Edvin Bongemba.
As the second half progressed, the game opened up again as it was in the first part of the first half. Auda had several good opportunities to take the lead, including efforts from Vergara and Traoré, but Riga goalkeeper Krišjānis Zviedris made crucial saves to keep his side in the game.
Riga also pushed forward in search of a winner, with substitutes Renārs Varslavāns and later Mohamed Badamosi brought on to add fresh energy in attack. Varslavāns came close with a late header, but Auda goalkeeper Nils Puriņš produced an excellent save.
Just as the match seemed destined to end in a draw, Riga struck in the dying moments. In the 94th minute, after a quick attacking move, Raki Aouani delivered a precise pass into the box, where Badamosi was perfectly positioned to finish with his left foot into the bottom corner, making it 2-1.
The late goal stunned Auda and secured a dramatic victory for Riga, handing Auda their first defeat of the season.
FK Auda vs Riga FC – 1-2 (1-1)
Goals: Vergara 19′ (Penalty kick) | Salazar 1′, Badamosi 90+4′
Round 3
Riga FC
FK Liepāja
Daugavpils
Grobiņa
Super Nova| # | Team | P | W | D | L | GF | GA | GD | Pts |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | RFS |
2 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 3 | 0 | 3 | 6 |
| 2 | Riga FC |
3 | 2 | 0 | 1 | 7 | 5 | 2 | 6 |
| 3 | FK Auda |
3 | 2 | 0 | 1 | 5 | 3 | 2 | 6 |
| 4 | FK Liepāja |
3 | 2 | 0 | 1 | 3 | 2 | 1 | 6 |
| 5 | FS Jelgava |
2 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 3 | 2 | 1 | 4 |
| 6 | Grobiņa |
2 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 1 | 2 | -1 | 3 |
| 7 | Super Nova |
2 | 0 | 1 | 1 | 2 | 3 | -1 | 1 |
| 8 | FK Tukums 2000 |
2 | 0 | 1 | 1 | 2 | 3 | -1 | 1 |
| 9 | Ogre United |
3 | 0 | 1 | 2 | 1 | 4 | -3 | 1 |
| 10 | BFC Daugavpils |
2 | 0 | 0 | 2 | 2 | 5 | -3 | 0 |
