CS Autocatania Caransebes 2-1 Ghiroda SI Giarmata VII | Romanian Cup First Round

CS Autocatania Caransebes secured a hard‑fought 2‑1 victory over Ghiroda SI Giarmata VII in the Romanian Cup first round on 29 July 2026. The match, played at Stadionul Municipal in Caransebes, saw the home side come from behind to book their place in the next stage of the competition.

Match Summary

Ghiroda SI Giarmata VII started brightly and took a surprise lead in the 12th minute. A swift counter‑attack caught the Caransebes defence off guard, allowing forward Cristian Ionescu to slot home from close range. The visitors’ early goal silenced the home crowd and set the stage for a tense contest.

Carasebes, however, responded well. They began to dominate possession and created several half‑chances before the break. Just before half‑time, a well‑worked move ended with midfielder Andrei Cojocaru firing a low drive into the bottom corner to level the scores. The equaliser gave the home team momentum heading into the second half.

Decisive Second Half

The second period saw Caransebes take control. They pressed high and forced errors from the Ghiroda defence. The winning goal came in the 67th minute when a corner kick was headed powerfully by defender Florin Popa, giving the visiting goalkeeper no chance. Caransebes managed the game expertly thereafter, limiting Ghiroda to long‑range efforts that never truly threatened.

Key Moments

• 0‑1 (12’) – Cristian Ionescu pounces on a loose ball to give the visitors the lead.
• 1‑1 (44’) – Andrei Cojocaru’s precise strike restores parity just before half‑time.
• 2‑1 (67’) – Florin Popa rises highest to power home a corner and seal the win.

The 2‑1 victory means CS Autocatania Caransebes advance to the next round of the Romanian Cup, while Ghiroda SI Giarmata VII exit the competition despite a promising start. For the home side, the win represents a valuable early‑season boost and a chance to build momentum in the cup.