FC Flora Tallinn became the first semi-finalist of the Evald Tipner Estonian Cup, coming from behind to defeat Nõmme United 3-1.
The two teams had already met three days earlier in the league season opener, when Flora secured a comfortable 3-0 victory at home against Nõmme United, who have returned to Estonia’s top division this season. Compared to that match, Flora head coach Konstantin Vassiljev heavily rotated his squad, with only two players from the previous starting lineup keeping their places. Nõmme United, meanwhile, could not afford such rotation and started with the same eleven.
The beginning of the match was very difficult for the home side. In the fourth minute, the visitors surprisingly took the lead. After Flora lost possession in their own half, Nõmme United launched a quick attack that ended with a cross from the right flank. Koen Oostenbrink took the initial shot, which was saved by the Flora goalkeeper, but Kevin Matas reacted first to the rebound and finished from close range to put the visitors ahead.
There were few chances in the first half. Flora failed to register a single shot on target during the opening 45 minutes. Their best opportunity came when Taaniel Usta, from a good position, sent his effort wide of the goal.
Flora’s response came early in the second half. Head coach Vassiljev kept faith in his players and made no substitutions at halftime despite the sluggish first period, and the decision paid off.
Within three minutes of the restart, Flora turned the match around with two goals. In the 51st minute, Danil Kuraksin delivered a cross into the penalty area that was lightly redirected into the net by 17-year-old Nikita Kalmokov to equalize. Shortly afterward, following a corner kick, Oscar Pihela was left unmarked in the middle of the penalty area and calmly finished to give Flora a 2-1 lead.
Later in the second half, Vassiljev introduced several key players from the bench, and one of them sealed the result. In the 87th minute, Rauno Sappinen scored Flora’s third goal. After a powerful run created a two-against-one situation, Usta found Sappinen, who controlled the ball, picked his spot and fired a strong shot on target to secure the victory.
After two seasons without reaching the semi-final stage, Flora have now advanced to the last four of the Estonian Cup for the first time since 2023.
FC Flora vs Nõmme United – 3-1 (0-1)
Goals: Kalmokov 51′ Pihela 54′, Sappinen 87′ | Matas 4′
Evald Tipner Estonian Cup 1/4 final:
- Pärnu JK Vaprus vs Tartu JK Welco
- Paide Linnameeskond vs JK Tallinna Kalev
- JK Narva Trans vs Viimsi JK
- FC Flora Tallinn vs Nõmme United – 3-1
