The Lithuanian Football Federation (LFF) Cup Round of 16 continued on yesterday and today with top-tier clubs asserting their dominance — but the headlines were stolen by a timeless icon in Jonava’s colors.
In a clash between lower-division sides underdogs Kazlų Rūda who shocked BE1 NFA in the previous round, were brought back to earth by FK Jonava. Falling 1-4 in front of their home crowd. While Jonava’s progression may not come as a surprise, the real story of the night was Ričardas Beniušis, turned back the clock and scored a sensational hat-trick at the age of 45. The former Lithuanian international showed age is just a number, leading Jonava into the final eight with a historic performance.
Panevėžys also are marching on in the Lithuanian Cup, booking their place in the quarter-finals after a hard-fought 3-0 away win over a spirited FK Garliava side.
Despite their status as one of the tournament favorites, the visitors from Aukštaitija were held in check during the first half by Garliava — the third division club. Panevėžys struggled to break through early, with few clear-cut chances and a resilient home defense keeping the game level.
The turning point came in the 44th minute, when Ryusei Seike, who had earlier tested Vytautas Černiauskas with a dangerous header, was shown a second yellow card and dismissed, reducing Garliava to ten men. Even with a man advantage, Panevėžys found it tough to convert possession into goals.
The breakthrough finally arrived in the 73rd minute, when Salomon Kouadio earned a penalty that Ariagner Smith coolly slotted home. That opened the floodgates. Just four minutes later, the Nicaraguan international was on target again, this time with a well-taken finish from a Lucas de Vega assist.
Smith completed his hat-trick in the dying moments of the match, rising highest to nod home another de Vega cross and seal the victory in style.
Other matches:
FK Banga Gargždai 0-1 FA Šiauliai
A tight, tense affair was settled by Gabijus Micevičius in the 58th minute, as FA Šiauliai edged out top-tier opponents away from home. The visitors’ defensive solidity held firm against late pressure from Banga.
FK TransINVEST 0-1 FC Hegelmann
Leo Ribeiro struck early in the 18th minute, and that was all Hegelmann needed to dispatch TransINVEST. The Kaunas side managed the game well and move on with minimal fuss.
FK Tauras Tauragė 1-3 FK Sūduva
In the last match of the Round of 16, played today, Haidara’s early double put Sūduva in control. Despite Pikčiūnas pulling one back for Tauras, Nojus Lukšys added a late third to seal progression for the Marijampolė outfit.
Lithuanian Cup Round of 16 results:
- FK Žalgiris vs FK Kauno Žalgiris – 2:4 (after extra-time)
- AFK Vilnius vs FK Babrungas – 0:6
- FK Minija vs FC Džiugas Telšiai – 0:1
- Kazlu Rūda vs FK Jonava – 1:4
- FK Banga Gargždai vs FA Šiauliai – 0:1
- FK TransINVEST vs FC Hegelmann – 0:1
- FK Garliava vs FK Paņevežys – 0:3
- FK Tauras Taurage vs FK Sūduva – 1:3
