Ghanaian midfielder Muniru Sulley missed out on winning his first career title after Steaua Bucuresti were beaten 1-0 by ASA Targu-Mures on Wednesday night.
The 23-year-old was handed a starting role by coach Mirel Radoi and lasted 74 minutes.
Mircea Axente punished the double champions with his solitary strike on 63 minutes at the Stadionul Farul
Muniru, the younger brother of ex-AC Milan Sulley Muntari, joined Steaua Bucuresti last month from fellow Romanian side CFR Cluj.
He should be in the starting line-up when the defending champions begin their season against Petrolul Ploiesti at home on Saturday.
FC Steaua Bucuresti XI: Cojocaru - Rapa, Tamas, Varela, Tosca - Muniru (Mihalcea '74), Neagu (Tahar '68) - Iancu (Gradinaru '44), Stanciu, Chipciu - Tudorie.