A big surprise in the first group stage of the Romanian Cup, after Craiova University narrowly avoided defeat at CS Tunari. Instead, Petrolul and UTA won a minimal victory.

Players of the “University of Craiova” team.Photo: Razvan Pasarica / Sport News / Profimedia

CS Tunari – Universitatea Craiova 1-1 / Progresul Pecica – Petrolul 1-2 / Gloria Buzău – UTA 1-2, in the groups of the Romanian Cup

The University of Craiova narrowly earned a draw at KS Tunari. Olten’s performance suffered due to the fact that interim Dragos Bohn released several players in the starting line-up.

Tunari opened the scoring in the 46th minute thanks to Mitrike after a big mistake by Badel, who sent the ball too weakly towards his own goalkeeper.

After several missed opportunities, Ante Rogulic saved Craiova University from defeat with a goal in the 90th minute.

Petrolul Ploiesti was also injured on the pitch of Progressul Pečica, which plays in League 3.

Although the hosts were outnumbered from the 17th minute and Ploiesti opened the scoring from the penalty spot thanks to Roman in the 19th minute, Nasir’s goal in the 43rd minute tied the game at half-time.

Ten minutes after the restart, Mihai Roman scored a double, and Petrolul narrowly won.

Gloria Buzeu opened the scoring against UTA in the 32nd minute thanks to Dumitrake.

The Mircea Rednik-coached side equalized in the 57th minute through Marcelo Freitas and Vucenovic scored the winning goal in the 75th minute.

Romanian Cup, composition and schedule of groups in the 2023/2024 season

Group A: Sepsi OSK, Petrolul Ploiesti, Chindia Târgoviște, Hermannstadt, Corvinul Hunedoara, Progresul Pecica

Group B: Rapid, CFR Cluj, U Cluj, FC Botosani, KSA Steaua, KSM Oleksandria

Group C: FKU Craiova, FCSB, Ocellul Galats, Dynamo, SCM Zaleu, FC Bihor

Group D: Farul Constanta, University of Craiova, UTA Arad, FC Voluntari, Gloria Buzeu, CS Tunari.