KOPA Challenge Cup
Sponsored by Buzz Sweets
Round 2
Pendayia 1 Achna 2
In a tightly fought match Akhna narrowly got through to the next round of the Challenge cup 2 – 1. It was clear by the pre match rituals by both sides and the amount of subs on both benches that this meant a great deal to both clubs. With Akhna rooted at the bottom of league 2 and Pendayia losing ground on the top three in league 2 this was a chance for both to progress and keep their respective seasons alive.
In an open first half it was Akhna who struck the first blow. After just seven minutes a corner on the right saw the ball come across Theokli Charalambos who took it on the half volley bending his shot in the corner giving the Pendayia keeper George Georgiou no time to react. As if that was the trigger to warn Pendayia that this would not be the easy match predicted, they replied within 90 seconds of the restart with a goal from Antonis Kalli who eventually went in goal when they’re keeper had to be taken off with a pulled muscle. A series of shots by Pendayia’s strike force led to an eventual shot outside the penalty area and with a crowded box, the Akhna keeper Nick Procopiou hardly moved and just watched the shot wizz low past his right.
From then on both teams went on the offensive sacrificing defensive safety for the chance to take control of the game. In a free flowing first half it was Akhna who took the lead again in the 37 minute through their No 10 Gregory Kalogirou. Akhna had been finding space on the left wing through Oliver De Wan and Aristos Aristotelous in the half and it was Aristos who centred a cross that was missed by a number of players but not Gregory who managed to find the net in a crowded box. An injury to the Pendayia keeper in the closing stages of the half led to one of the outfield players stepping into the role.
Half time came more of a relief for Akhna who now realised that they had taken a half time lead for the first time this season in any competition.
The second half had Pendayia in control with their free flowing football but repeatedly failed in the last third of the field hitting the bar on one occassion from a free kick outside the box. Akhna held firm and not least to the gritting defensive performances from Thenesh Naathen and the man of the match Travaise Darby-Allison. Both had seen their fair share of goals conceded over this season but with Akhna’s season hanging on their cup exploits, their ability to withstand the Pendayia assaults said more about their courage and determination rather than natural ability. Akhna did manage to break out defensively and Theokli should have made it 3 – 1 at the three quarter mark of the game. Pendayia were able to relentlessly force one attack after another but were unable to take the game into extra time. In a game that did not spill over at any stage both teams could be proud of their effort with Pendayia worth the draw but it was not to be. Referee Sofianos was firm in his control of the match but was not popular with the Pendayia supporters due to at least six foul throws picked up from the team.
Akhna’s celebrations at the end were more to do with their pent up frustrations in not being able to compete with some of the teams they faced in the league. They now march on to a quarter final with Cetinkaya Cinar but before that face Arachne in the semi final of the Divisional Cup.
Arachne 1 Cyprus Youth (KLN) 4
Arachne started the game very well and put KLN under pressure. They got a deserved early goal, but that seemed to wake KLN up as in form goal machine Chris Papacosta scored with a delightful chip after a wonderful through ball from in form Luke papacosta on the 30th minute.
KLN pressured for a second and had a goal disallowed just before half time. Second half KLN came out full guns blazing and had several attempts at goal before Chris Papacosta scored again on the 73rd minute when he was slipped in by Richard Takkou and he calmly slotted home just inside the penalty box. KLN kept pushing forward and Chris got his emphatic hat trick when he chipped the goalkeeper again on 80 mins.
Arachne’s heads dropped and there’s was still time for veteran striker Jayson Sinclair to roll back the years and have a couple of late chances before slotting home from close range on the 88th minute. Cyprus Youth will now go on to play Apoel.
This is the second week in succession Cyprus Youth have beaten Arachne and to make it even sweeter its their first win at New River Astro this season where they have either lost or drawn their five previous outings there this season.
Omonia 0 Anorthosis 0 (Omonia won 2-0 after extra time).
A close game both teams knew it was going to be a close game and in the first half they both showed nerves with both teams playing defensively. The Second half was the same and in extra time both clubs opened up and went for a win. It was Omonia who took more of the initiative and come up trumps with two goals from Calvaho (by the way I keep on meaning to ask Elias Pastou if he used to play for Chelsea). The other goal came from Marcos. Omonia now go onto play Tripimeni in the next round.
Olympia 3 Ael 1
What a feast of football this was both teams played really entertaing stuff. AEL (Aradippou) got going quick and were well on top but could not capitalise on the chances they created.
Olympia who have had some disappointing results recently scored in the 20th minute with a well taken goal from Justin Zacharia.
The second half AEL took a knock back when they gave a penalty away when one of their defenders pushed down one of the Olympia attackers to which Tariq scored from the spot.
Olympia increased their lead to 3-0 with a great goal from Sam who received the ball from the half way line and went past three players before slotting the ball past the oncoming AEL keeper.
AEL were able to reduce the scoreline when Luke Petros scored in the 86th minute.
Olympia now go on to play the second division leaders Livadia in the next round.
KOPA Division One Cup
Quarter Final
Tripimeni 7 Maronites 0
Tripimeni really mean business they have got to be favourites for one of the cups they now go on to play AEL in the semi final of the Division one cup. They are also in the quarter finals of the challenge cup where they will be playing Omonia.
Tripimenis goals came late in the first and second halves. Alfie Bartram 10th minute and 37th minute. Ahmet Rifat 43rd and 45th minute who added a third in the 86th minute. Ramir Rifat scored in the 89th minute and Ricky Louka in added time.
KOPA League
Division 2
Komi 4 Asha 1
Komi Kebir from nowhere they are now serious promotion candidates second placed one point behind the leaders Livadia. A comfortable win for them but Asha had some chances but if their finishing was better they would have had a chance in this game.
Komi took the lead in the 15th minute with a goal from Andreas Economides and in the 30th minute Asha equalised with a fine strike from John Nicholas. Then in the second half Andy Zavros added a second goal in the 65th minute. Andreas Economides scored the third for Komi Kebir before man of the match Andy Zavros scored the fourth with a cracking 25 yard top corner curler.
Pantel 3 Livadia 7
Against my prediction Livadia won 7-3 and continue to be on top. Livadia started well and went ahead from a header from Nick Koutsoudis after 5 min. Pantel equalised straight away with Alex1-1. Second goal came from a shot from Elia Katsouloudi to make 2-1. Third goal came from a 25 yard strike from Luke Demetriades. Then a stroke of brilliance from Elia Katsoulidi with a thumping volley from 40 yards out gave them a fourth goal. In the second half Livadia again started well and a 5th goal came from a one two from Vince Rispoli and Luke Demetriades ending with a strike from Luke Demetriades making it 5-1. Livadia cruised to 6-1 with a goal from Leo Agathangelou shooting from 15 yards. Pantel came back with their goalkeeper Thomas scoring when kicking the ball straight in over the Livadia keeper from a free kick just behind the half way line. Pantel scored a third from the penalty spot with Alex. However Vince Rispoli scored from the kick off, when he shot directly from the centre spot. Game finished 7-3.
LFA Intermediate Cup
Semi Final
Cetinkaya Cinar 1 Shoots and Leaves FC 2
In recent weeks Cinar have struggled to field their first eleven for various reasons and it was very apparent as the visitors took the lead on the half hour mark with a curled shot from outside the box.
Cinar came alive in the second half and equalised with half an hour to go as Marcus Samuals poked the ball past the oncoming Shoots keeper. Cinar squandered a number of chances and were made to pay for it as the Shoots striker hit an opportunist strike which beat keeper Remzi in stoppage time. Cinar were knocked out the Sunday Intermediate Cup when looking favourites to take the game in extra time.