RFS continued their pre-season campaign as they overcame the challenge of Estonia’s bronze medalists Nõmme Kalju in Paide, Estonia.
Both sides had already kicked off their pre-season with marginal wins last week. RFS beat Super Nova (5:2). Meanwhile, Kalju defeated Viimsi (3:0).
The starting XI for RFS featured the likes of Jānis Ikaunieks, Dmitrijs Zelenkovs, Žiga Lipušček, and other regular first-team players who didn’t appear in the game against Super Nova.
Kalju were holding on well with Henri Perk making saves to deny RFS scoring on some occasions. However, he wasn’t able to save Ikaunieks’ curler from outside the box as the two-time Latvian Footballer of the Year put it into the near corner to give the Latvian side the lead.
Lasha Odisharia doubled the lead in the 2nd half, following a great team press, as the game saw no other goals and ended 2:0 for RFS.
Flashy Lasha
Lasha Odisharia has fully returned to action after sitting out almost half of the 2025 season due to injury. The Georgian played the entire second half and scored his goal thanks to a great team press and his quick feet. Odisharia intercepted Kalju’s misplaced pass by beating the opponent to it and then smashed it past the keeper to open his pre-season account.
Following his goal, he continued to contribute in attack by not only taking on players, but also making tackles and winning duels, showing his great work ethic. The 23-year-old Georgian will go into his last year of contract this season with some European sides showing interest in him.
What next for RFS?
Wednesday, January 21: FK Grobiņa (home), friendly, 1pm EET
What next for Nõmme Kalju?
Wednesday, January 28: FK Liepāja (away), friendly, TBC
