CYPRIOT CUP SEMI FINAL FIRST LEG UPDATE

Omonoia Nicosia are in a commanding position for the cup final after a convincing 3-0 win in the first leg against Aris Limassol. Goals from Roman Bezus, Willy Semedo, and Saidou Alioum dashed Aris’ hopes of salvaging their season with a cup victory.

Aris, missing head coach Shpilevsky due to a touchline ban, tried to take control from the start, earning a corner within the first 2 minutes. However, Omonoia, sticking with their trusted 4-5-1 formation from Saturday’s league win over Aris, remained unchanged and aimed to make use of the pace of Simic and Semedo on the wings, supported by Kakoullis upfront.

In the 29th minute, a corner from Brazilian left back Cipriano found Kakoullis, who flicked it on for Roman Bezus to nod in from close range.

Despite Aris’ efforts, Omonoia’s solid defense and disciplined midfield kept them at bay, limiting their chances mostly to wide areas.

Aris’ situation worsened in the 41st minute when their left back Caju was sent off for a reckless stamp on Kakoullis, a reaction born out of weeks of frustration for the Aris players.

Omonoia’s midfield control was evident, and Aris tried to match their intensity by bringing on Serbian midfielder Nikolic for striker Kokorin at halftime. However, Omonoia was awarded a penalty early in the second half, but Kakoullis’ spot-kick was saved by goalkeeper Zadro. Yet, moments later, Willy Semedo capitalized on a pass from Bezus to extend Omonoia’s lead to 2-0.

Aris’ frustration continued as a VAR check denied them a penalty in the 74th minute after Dutch winger Montnor was challenged by Coulibaly.

Omonoia sealed the victory in the 89th minute through substitute Alioum, who placed the ball in the top corner after a pass from former Aris striker Stepinski.

Meanwhile, in the other semi final, Pafos will carry a narrow 2-1 lead into the second leg against Apollon.

Pafos started strongly, creating several chances in the opening 15 minutes, but a spectacular goal from Pepe in the 28th minute gave them the lead. Muamer Tankovic found Pepe unmarked, and the Portuguese midfielder rifled the ball into the top right corner.

However, Apollon leveled six minutes later through Malekkidis, who converted a pass from Marques after a slip from Spanish defender Goldar.

The second half saw Pafos dominate as they searched for a winner, which eventually came through an unexpected source, defender Marios Dimitriou. The 31-year-old controlled a pass from Pepe before curling a shot beyond the reach of Dutch goalkeeper Leeuwenburgh.

The second leg promises to be intense, especially with the hostile atmosphere created by the Apollon supporters.

Both matches are scheduled for April 17th.