Maiden Moldovan Cup for Tiraspol

FC Tiraspol defeated FC Veris Singerei 4-2 on penalties to win their first ever Moldovan Cup after a dramatic final.

Both teams were making their debut appearance in the showpiece, with Veris capping a promotion season by becoming the first second-tier team to make it, having knocked out league runners-up FC Dacia Chisinau and cup holders FC Milsami Orhei. However, it was Tiraspol that took the trophy after a dramatic 2-2 draw.

The first half proved a nervous affair without a clear chance. Tiraspol striker Alexandru Grosu Sr made it 1-0 just before the hour but Cristian Cîrlan saved Veris with a fierce free-kick four minutes from time.

Veris were ahead just before the sides changed ends in extra time when Djibril Paye headed into his own net and Andrey Novikov's Tiraspol penalty was saved by Sergiu Diaconu. However, Tiraspol had knocked out league champions FC Sheriff to make the final and Anatoli Cheptine turned the ball in to force a shoot-out in which Bulgarian goalkeeper Georgi Georgiev proved the hero with two saves.

Third-place Tiraspol's victory is also good news for Milsami, whose fourth position is now good enough for a UEFA Europa League qualifying slot.