Riga can’t convert their chances and have to settle with a point against Kairat
Riga FC marked their historic UEFA Conference League league-phase debut with a 1-1 draw against Kazakh champions Kairat Almaty at Skonto Stadium. Despite conceding an early penalty, the Latvian side responded impressively through Salah Oulad M’Hand’s equaliser and dominated much of the first half, although Mohamed Badamosi’s missed penalty ultimately denied Adrian Guľa’s side the opportunity to begin their European campaign with a victory.
Photo: LETA/Scanpix Guľa made several surprising decisions in his starting line-up, leaving captain Antonijs Černomordijs and leading striker Reginaldo Ramires on the bench. Karl Wassom and Mohamed Badamosi were handed starting roles instead, while Meissa Diop replaced the injured Caio Ferreira. Kenan Piric was selected in goal for his first appearance at Skonto Stadium.
Despite the excitement surrounding Riga’s European debut, the hosts endured a disastrous opening. Raivis Andris Jurkovskis slipped in his own half and brought down a Kairat player. Although play initially continued, a subsequent VAR review resulted in a penalty being awarded to the visitors. Spanish attacking midfielder Marc Gual stepped up and confidently converted to give the Kazakh champions an early advantage.
Riga responded positively, with Diop registering their first attempt in the seventh minute, although his effort from outside the penalty area went wide. Kairat then threatened from their first corner, forcing Piric into an important save to prevent the visitors from doubling their lead.
The hosts’ response was rewarded in the 12th minute. Ahmed Ankrah produced an excellent pass from midfield to release Maksims Toņiševs into space on the right flank. The defender delivered a low ball into the penalty area, where Salah Oulad M’Hand arrived to finish first time and score Riga FC’s first-ever goal in the Conference League league phase.
The equaliser gave Riga considerable momentum. Raki Aouani almost completed the turnaround with an impressive individual effort, beating his marker before sending a shot from distance narrowly over the crossbar.
Guľa’s side continued to apply relentless pressure, with Kairat struggling to cope with Riga’s high pressing and quick attacking combinations. At one stage, the Latvian club enjoyed more than 70% possession, underlining their dominance.
In the 27th minute, Riga were handed a golden opportunity to take the lead when Badamosi was caught on the foot inside the penalty area, prompting the referee to award the game’s second penalty.
Having successfully converted a spot-kick for Gambia during the recent international break, Badamosi stepped up confidently. However, his effort towards the right side of the goal was comfortably saved by Kairat goalkeeper Temirlan Anarbekov, keeping the score level.
The missed penalty did little to disrupt Riga’s attacking rhythm. Diop forced another save from Anarbekov, while Oulad M’Hand came agonisingly close to his second goal after unleashing a powerful effort from the centre of the penalty area. His shot was blocked and deflected narrowly wide.
Riga remained the more threatening side throughout the opening 45 minutes, combining aggressive pressing with sustained spells of possession. Kairat, meanwhile, largely relied on counter-attacking opportunities, with Piric producing several important interventions to keep the visitors from regaining their advantage.
The second half developed into a more cautious contest, with clear-cut chances becoming less frequent as both teams improved defensively. Kairat enjoyed some promising spells and looked more comfortable in possession than they had before the interval.
Guľa attempted to restore Riga’s attacking intensity by introducing Ramires in place of Badamosi. The substitution provided fresh energy, with the hosts once again pressing aggressively and recovering possession high up the pitch.
However, Riga struggled to turn their territorial advantage into a decisive second goal. Oulad M’Hand and Aouani both found themselves in promising attacking situations, but neither could provide the finishing touch.
As the match approached its conclusion, Kairat threatened on the counter-attack, forcing Piric into another crucial save in the 90th minute.
With three minutes of additional time indicated, Riga pushed for one final opportunity. Ramires won a free-kick in the final seconds, but substitute Codi Saco was unable to direct his header into the net from the resulting delivery.
The final whistle confirmed a historic first point for Riga FC in the UEFA Conference League league phase. Riga will continue their European campaign next Thursday with an away fixture against Cypriot side Pafos, looking to build on an encouraging debut and secure their first league-phase victory.
