Season review: Moldova
Thursday, June 4, 2015
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Having placed their faith in a goalkeeper best known for a bizarre own goal scored on his debut, FC Milsami Orhei were rewarded with a first Moldovan title after an incredible final day.
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Champions: FC Milsami Orhei
Milsami broke FC Sheriff's stranglehold (they had won 13 of the last 14 titles) as they became only the fifth club to lift the Moldovan championship. Third in the First Division entering the final day – which in itself would have equalled their previous best – they beat leaders FC Dacia Chisinau 2-1 at home to leave both teams and Sheriff level on 55 points; Milsami duly prevailed on head-to-head record. "Many doubted us, but we grew game by game and were rewarded," said Iurie Osipenco at the end of a fine first term in charge.
Cup final: FC Sheriff 3-2 FC Dacia Chisinau
Four days after that stunning championship climax, the sides that missed out met in the Moldovan Cup final – and served up another thriller. Trailing 2-0 in the second half, Dacia stormed back to force extra time but their momentum was stymied by Akhmet Barakhoev's red card and ten minutes from time Bulgarian striker Ismail Isa hit the winner for Sheriff. "Both teams showed what football is about – goals, spirit and emotions," said coach Zoran Zekić. He left his post two days later.
European places*
FC Milsami Orhei – UEFA Champions League second qualifying round
FC Sheriff – UEFA Europa League second qualifying round
FC Dacia Chisinau – UEFA Europa League second qualifying round
FC Saxan – UEFA Europa League first qualifying round**
*subject to final confirmation from UEFA
**fourth-placed FC Tiraspol were wound up at the end of the season
Player of the year: Ricardinho (FC Sheriff)
Ricardinho's suspension for the decisive 3-2 defeat by Milsami in April was perhaps key to deciding the destination of the title. The 25-year-old displayed all of his abilities amid a splendid campaign, his technique, shooting prowess and vision helping him become the second successive Brazilian to finish National Division top scorer after ex-Sheriff team-mate Henrique Luvannor.
One to watch: Radu Mîțu (FC Milsami Orhei)
Mîțu was 19 when coach Osipenco surprisingly made him his first-choice keeper last summer. "Many remember Mîțu's disastrous debut in 2013 when he threw the ball in his own net. Few thought he would get over that and become a top player," Osipenco explained. "But I had no doubts." Mîțu repaid his faith, the last line of a defence that underpinned their championship triumph. He is now Moldova's Under-21 keeper.
Top scorer: Ricardinho (FC Sheriff) – 19
Relegated: FC Veris, FC Costuleni, FC Tiraspol***
Promoted: FC Petrocub Sărata-Galbenă, FC Speranţa Nisporeni, TBC
***all three dissolved
