CFR Cluj secured their fifth Romanian Cup title with a dramatic 3-2 win against FC Hermannstadt in a captivating final held at the Francisc Neuman Arena in Arad. This victory adds to their previous cup triumphs in 2008, 2009, 2010, and 2016.
The match began with CFR Cluj taking an early lead. In the 15th minute, Mohammed Kamara opened the scoring after being set up by Meriton Korenica, and Louis Munteanu doubled the advantage in the 22nd minute, converting a cross from Mario Camora. Hermannstadt responded in the 37th minute when Tiberiu Căpușă capitalized on a deflected free-kick to reduce the deficit.
Early in the second half, Beni Nkololo restored CFR’s two-goal cushion in the 48th minute, finishing a pass from Munteanu. However, Hermannstadt remained resilient, and substitute Sergiu Buș scored from 25 meters in the 74th minute to bring the score to 3-2.
Despite late pressure and several close attempts, including a free-kick saved by CFR’s goalkeeper Otto Hindrich in stoppage time, Hermannstadt couldn’t find an equalizer. The match concluded with heightened tensions, resulting in red cards for Damjan Djokovic of CFR Cluj and Tiago Goncalves of Hermannstadt.
With this win, CFR Cluj not only adds another trophy to their cabinet but also secures a spot in the UEFA Europa League qualifiers for the upcoming season. For Hermannstadt, this marks their second loss in a Romanian Cup final, the first being in 2018 against Universitatea Craiova.
