All semi-finalists of the Evald Tipner Estonian Cup have now been confirmed, with Paide Linnameeskond and JK Narva Trans joining FC Flora Tallinn and Pärnu JK Vaprus in the final four.
The most dramatic match of the evening took place in Narva, where Premium Liiga side Narva Trans hosted Esiliiga club Viimsi JK. For much of the match it looked like a routine clash between a top-flight team and a second-tier opponent. Narva Trans took an early lead and by the 50th minute were comfortably ahead 3-0.
However, the match quickly turned as Viimsi mounted an impressive comeback. In the 52nd minute, Oskar Mägi won the ball in midfield and played a precise through pass behind the defence. Karl Mägi reached it first and reduced the deficit. About fifteen minutes before the end of normal time, Oskar Mägi struck from a set-piece situation to bring the score to 3-2.
Narva Trans suffered another setback in the 85th minute when Shalva Burjanadze injured his hamstring while attempting to clear the ball. With all substitutions already used, the hosts were forced to finish the match with ten players for the remaining minutes.
Viimsi continued to increase the pressure, and in stoppage time the equaliser finally arrived. After a challenge in the penalty area involving Mykhailo Kozhushko and Ma Anta Seye, the referee awarded a penalty following a VAR review. In the 90+8th minute, Markus Vaherna stepped up and fired the ball into the top-right corner to make it 3-3.
The celebrations were short-lived. With the clock already beyond the original added time, Narva Trans struck again. In the 90+10th minute, Maksimkin delivered a corner into the box, and after an attempt by Artjom Škinjov, the loose ball fell to Cristian Campagna, who scored from close range to seal a dramatic 4-3 victory for the hosts.
Meanwhile, Paide Linnameeskond secured their place in the semi-finals with a commanding performance against JK Tallinna Kalev, who were relegated from the Premium Liiga last season. Paide were already three goals ahead by the 42nd minute and went on to score three more after the break, completing a convincing 6-0 win.
Daniel Luts scored twice for the hosts, while Kristofer Piht, Momodou Jobarteh, Henrik Ojamaa, and Oskar Hoim also found the net.
With these results, the four semi-finalists of the Evald Tipner Estonian Cup are confirmed: FC Flora Tallinn, Pärnu JK Vaprus, Paide Linnameeskond, and JK Narva Trans. Vaprus have reached the semi-finals for the first time in the club’s history.
Evald Tipner Estonian Cup 1/4 final:
- Pärnu JK Vaprus vs Tartu JK Welco – 2-1
- Paide Linnameeskond vs JK Tallinna Kalev – 6-0
- JK Narva Trans vs Viimsi JK – 4-3
- FC Flora Tallinn vs Nõmme United – 3-1
