Hibernians dream of reaching the play-off stages of a European competition were shattered on a hot energy sapping Thursday night at the Centenary Stadium.
A goal up from the first leg in Latvia against Riga FC, Hibs knew they were going to face non-stop pressure.
Their fears materialised when Riga were awarded a penalty in the first minute when referee Rob Hennessy pointed to the penalty spot after he judged Andre Agius to have fouled Leo. However, Ivan Paurevic’s spot kick was saved by Hibernians goalkeeper Ibrahim Kone.
In a frenetic opening 15 minutes Hibs had two players booked and they almost conceded when a poor back-pass almost gifted Riga the lead but again, Kone came to Hibs rescue.
Jake Grech probably had the best chance of the first half but his powerful drive went wide of the post.
Riga continued the second half where they left off, all out attack and within minutes of the restart drew level when Leo pounced on a short back-pass to round Kone and fire into an empty net.
Hibs were on the back foot as Riga mounted attack after attack but the match turned on the 60th minute when Jurgen Degabriele was set up by Jake Grech to volley Hibs level on the night and 2-1 up on aggregate score.
Hibs captain Bjorn Kristensen went off injured mid-day through the second half.
Jurgen Degabriele thought he had added a second when he beat the Riga defence but the offside flag went up for the pass from Grech.
With the clock ticking down and an historic play-offs placing beckoning Jake Grech was sent off after picking up a second yellow card.
The fourth official indicated seven minutes of extra time which proved fatal for Hibernians as Paurevic headed Riga back in front with just one minute remaining.
Despair for Hibs who now faced 30 minutes of extra time with only ten men.
That proved to be so as substitute Muritala added a third for Riga within minutes of the start of extra time.
Riga were themselves reduced to ten men when Kamess was sent off. By then the damage was done and Riga rubbed salt into the wound when Muritala pounced on a defensive slip to make it 4-1 on the night.
Photo: Domenic Aquilina. Hibs keeper Kone making another vital save.
