Cyprus League: Game Week 23 Roundup

Krasava 1-1 Aris

The match at Ammochostos Epistrofi was closely contested, with Aris having slightly more control in the first half but struggling to create clear chances. Both teams started with intensity, and while Aris threatened more through crosses and long shots, the best chance fell to Kokorin, whose powerful effort was saved. The first half ended goalless as both sides remained well organised defensively.

Aris took the lead early in the second half through Kakoullis after a well-worked corner, and they nearly doubled their advantage when Semedo hit the post. Krasava had a goal disallowed by VAR but increased the pressure late on and were rewarded in the 89th minute after a defensive error led to an own goal by Connor Goldson, securing a deserved 1–1 draw.

Paralimni 0-2 AEL

AEL showed greater quality and control for most of the match, gradually taking charge after a balanced start. Paralimni threatened early, but AEL created the clearer chances and took the lead in the 35th minute through Maseko after a quick counterattack. From then on, the visitors managed possession well and limited the hosts’ attacking threat.

In the second half, AEL continued to dominate and looked dangerous on the break, creating several opportunities to extend their lead. Despite a goal-line clearance keeping Paralimni in the game temporarily, AEL sealed the victory in stoppage time through Paroutis to secure a deserved 2–0 win with a disciplined and efficient performance.

Apollon 1-0 Ethnikos

Apollon continued their excellent run with a narrow but deserved 1–0 win over Ethnikos, moving up to second place on 46 points. Losada’s side controlled much of the first half, creating several chances before finally breaking through in the 36th minute when Zmrhal scored with a low strike. They could have doubled their lead before the break, but missed opportunities meant the score stayed tight.

In the second half Apollon managed the game more carefully, lowering the tempo and focusing on possession while limiting Ethnikos to few clear chances. Despite a couple of late opportunities at both ends, the hosts held firm to secure their ninth consecutive league victory, showing maturity and defensive control to see out another important three points.

Olympiakos 1-3 Akritas

The match began evenly before Olympiakos took the lead in the 24th minute, capitalising on two defensive mistakes by Miller, with Joao Mario finishing into an empty net. Akritas had earlier seen a goal ruled out for offside and gradually grew into the game, increasing their pressure but unable to find an equaliser before halftime.

After the break Akritas completed the turnaround with goals from Antoniou and Carlitos before Romo added a third following a catastrophic defensive mistake to seal control of the match. Olympiakos had a late chance to get back into the game, but Perntreou produced a crucial save to deny Pikis from the penalty spot, confirming an impressive 3–1 away victory and extending the hosts’ winless run.

Pafos 0-0 Anorthosis 

Pafos and Anorthosis shared a goalless draw in a fiercely contested match defined by physical battles and high intensity. The first half was evenly balanced, with both sides probing without creating many clear chances, as midfield duels dominated and defences largely stayed on top.

The key flashpoint came when Pafos goalkeeper Gorter was sent off for a dangerous challenge on Kiss, with the Hungarian stretchered off and taken to hospital with a suspected broken cheekbone. Despite going down to ten men, it was Pafos who came closest to snatching victory, with Mimović hitting the post with a header in the 90th minute before Oršić struck the bar from a long range free kick deep into added time, leaving both sides to settle for a dramatic but scoreless draw.

APOEL 1-0 Omonoia

APOEL secured a 1–0 victory over Omonoia in the eternal derby at the GSP, with substitute Olayinka scoring the decisive goal in the 81st minute. Garcia’s side made the brighter start and created the better opportunities in the opening stages, while Omonoia struggled to find their rhythm. Despite chances at both ends, neither team was able to break the deadlock before halftime.

Omonoia improved after the break and came close on several occasions, with Christou hitting the crossbar, while APOEL also threatened through Tomas, who struck the woodwork. With less than ten minutes remaining, Olayinka – making his APOEL debut and first appearance since October – scored from the edge of the box to seal the win. Late on, Omonoia were dealt a further setback when goalkeeper Fabiano was forced off with a back injury, leaving defender Panayiotou to finish the match in goal after all substitutions had been used.

Omonoia Aradippou 2-1 AEK

Omonoia Aradippou produced an impressive comeback to defeat AEK 2–1, overturning a first-half deficit to secure a valuable three points and climb to eighth place in the table. The hosts showed resilience and belief after falling behind, while AEK were left frustrated after failing to protect their lead in a match that slipped away from them in the second half.

AEK started the game with purpose and looked the more threatening side early on, eventually taking the lead in the 37th minute from the penalty spot. Milicevic calmly converted after the visitors were awarded a spot kick, giving the Larnaca side a deserved advantage heading into the break after a first half played at a good tempo. The visitors appeared in control after halftime, managing possession and limiting Omonoia Aradippou’s attacking opportunities, but the game turned midway through the second half.

In the 64th minute Minas Antoniou brought the hosts level, finishing to spark belief among the home side and shift momentum. With confidence growing, Omonoia Aradippou pushed forward and completed the turnaround in the 77th minute when Mouadib found the net to make it 2–1. The goal was confirmed after a VAR review, further energising the hosts as they sensed a big result.

AEK pushed hard in the closing stages and thought they had rescued a point deep into stoppage time, only for their goal to be ruled out following another VAR intervention. Despite late pressure, Omonoia Aradippou held firm defensively to see out the victory.

Omonoia lead the league on 54 points with an impressive record of 17 wins and just three defeats, boasting the best defence (16 conceded) and a +39 goal difference. Apollon sit second on 48 points, followed by AEK Larnaca on 46 and Pafos on 44, making up a tight chasing pack for the title positions. APOEL and Aris Limassol are level on 39 points in fifth and sixth respectively, while AEL sit seventh on 33 points, currently just outside the top group.

In the lower half, Omonoia Aradippou are eighth on 28 points, followed by Akritas Chlorakas on 26 and Anorthosis on 25. Olympiakos sit just above the drop zone on 24 points, with Ethnikos Achna on 23 and Krasava on 22 still in danger. At the bottom, Paralimni remain adrift with just one point from 23 matches, having yet to win a game and conceding 56 goals – by far the league’s weakest record.