PAFOS FC – CYPRUS CUP WINNERS 2024

Pafos emerged as the new Cyprus Cup champions by defeating the previous titleholders, Omonoia, with a commanding 3-0 victory in the final.

A dominant first-half performance saw Pafos quickly take a three-goal lead, courtesy of goals from Tankovic, Dragomir, and Pepe, dashing Omonoia’s hopes of achieving a record third consecutive triumph.

Although this was Pafos’ first appearance in a cup final, the pressure was on head coach Carcedeo to secure a trophy after eight years of substantial financial investment from the club’s management. The final was made even more special for the local community with days of preparation, including an extensive social media and marketing campaign by the club.

Pafos started on the front foot being denied the lead twice in the opening five minutes. Omonoia goalkeeper Francis Uzoho redirected a deflected cross out for a corner before Pafos defender Josef Kvida’s close range effort hit the upright.

Pafos seized the momentum early, earning a penalty in the 8th minute after Omonoia’s left-back Khammas was penalised for a handball in the box. Muamer Tankovic, who had secured Pafos’ spot in the final with a stunning goal in the semi-final against Apollon, confidently struck the ball into the top corner to put his team ahead.

Omonoia struggled to gain control of the game. Despite dominating possession, they failed to pose any threat to Pafos goalkeeper Ivusic.

Two errors by Uzoho contributed to Pafos’ second goal. The Nigerian goalkeeper’s pass to the left wing lacked both distance and height, allowing Tankovic to intercept. Tankovic then passed to Jairo, who set up Dragomir. The Romanian’s first-time shot slipped through Uzoho’s hands, putting Pafos 2-0 ahead after 36 minutes and leaving Omonoia with an uphill battle.

Pafos sealed victory in style five minutes before the interval when Pepe rifled home from 25 yards. A goal fit for a cup final.

With victory nearly assured, Pafos adopted a more defensive approach in the second half, allowing Omonoia to dominate possession while limiting their chances. The defending champions managed only one shot on target throughout the entire 90 minutes.

Victory for Pafos not only earned them a first trophy success but also sees them enter the Europa League qualifiers. Stage one of the Pafos revolution is complete. On to stage 2

Match highlights here.