Riga FC before Conference League debut comfortably beat Tukums

The visitors handed a competitive debut to Bosnian goalkeeper Kenan Piric, who joined Riga FC towards the end of the summer transfer window but had previously been an unused substitute in league matches. Meanwhile, Tukums head coach Kristaps Dišlers selected 19-year-old Alekss Kuprins in goal for just the second Virslīga appearance of his career, following his debut in the previous round’s 1-1 draw against Grobiņa.

Riga FC immediately took control of possession and needed just nine minutes to break the deadlock, although the opening goal came in somewhat fortunate circumstances. Kristers Volkovs fouled Ahmed Ankrah inside the penalty area, prompting the referee to award the visitors a penalty. Reginaldo Ramires stepped up, but his poorly executed spot-kick was saved by Kuprins. However, the Brazilian striker reacted quickest to the rebound and calmly converted from close range to give Riga a 1-0 lead.

The visitors continued to dominate proceedings throughout the first half, creating several opportunities to extend their advantage. Kuprins was kept busy in the Tukums goal, producing saves to deny both Iago Siqueira and Caio Ferreira as Riga repeatedly found their way into dangerous attacking positions.

Tukums, meanwhile, largely relied on counterattacks and struggled to threaten Pirić. Their best opportunity of the opening half arrived shortly before the interval when Dāvis Mārcis Valmiers delivered a cross from the left towards the far post, where Kristaps Kļaviņš arrived to meet the ball. However, his first-time effort flew well over the crossbar, leaving Riga with a narrow advantage at half-time.

Both managers made changes during the interval. Riga replaced Caio Ferreira with Raki Aouani, while Tukums introduced Rūdolfs Meļķis in place of Valmiers.

Riga continued to control the match after the restart and eventually doubled their advantage through their leading goalscorer, Mohamed Badamosi. Just three minutes after coming off the bench, the Gambian striker met Salah Oulad’s corner and redirected the ball into the net, scoring his 21st league goal of the season to make it 2-0.

With a two-goal cushion established, the intensity of the contest gradually dropped as Riga managed their advantage without taking unnecessary risks. Badamosi appeared to have added a third goal later in the second half, but a VAR review confirmed an offside offence, ruling out the effort and keeping the score at 2-0.

Despite spending much of the afternoon without being seriously tested, Pirić was finally called into action during stoppage time. Bogdans Samoilovs struck a dangerous free-kick towards the corner of the goal, forcing the Bosnian goalkeeper into an good save to preserve his clean sheet on his competitive debut.

The final whistle confirmed Riga FC’s third consecutive league victory without conceding a goal, a result that temporarily lifts them back to the top of the Virslīga standings. Riga now hold a two-point advantage over title rivals RFS, who will have the opportunity to reclaim first place when they host FS Jelgava on Sunday.

Riga FC can now turn their full attention towards a historic European occasion. On Thursday, the Latvian champions will make their UEFA Conference League league phase debut when they welcome Kazakhstan’s Kairat Almaty to Skonto Stadium in Rīga.