PAFOS REACH FIRST CUP FINAL WHILE OMONOIA AIM FOR A THREE-PEAT

Pafos reached the cup final for the first time in its history thanks to a dramatic Muamar Tankovic injury time thunderbolt from 40 yards.

The visitors took a slender 2-1 lead into the second leg, knowing a draw would be enough to secure their passage into the final.

Apollon started aggressively, nearly taking the lead in the 4th minute when Marques’ shot was deflected onto the post by Ivusic. Moments later, Marques missed another opportunity, failing to connect with Sagal’s cross.

Pafos sprung into action, with Brazilian forward Jairo finding himself one-on-one with Dutch goalkeeper Leeuwenburgh in the 23rd minute. However, Leeuwenburgh managed to narrow the angle and deny Jairo. Another chance went begging for Jairo in the 32nd minute, as he headed wide from Bockaj’s cross.

Apollon blew the tie wide open in the 67th minutes, taking the lead from the spot after Ivusic fouled Marques. Chilean winger Sagal stepped up to rifle the ball in the bottom corner.

As the game seemed destined for extra time, Pafos earned a free kick near the halfway line. Tankovic received the ball, ran unchallenged for 10 yards, and unleashed a stunning strike from 40 yards out, securing victory in remarkable fashion.

What a way to book your team's passage into the cup final. Keeper had absolutely no chance. pic.twitter.com/Q7jAcegYmm

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Awaiting Pafos in the final is Omonoia Nicosia who drew 0-0 with Aris, going through 3-0 on aggregate.

The holders came close to opening the score in the 27th minute when Kakoillis raced through, rounding Vala Alves before having his shot cleared off the line by Matysik.

However, Aris struggled to create significant chances in the first half, with Omonoia maintaining a solid defensive structure. The visitors’ best opportunity came from a long-range effort from Morgan Brown, which sailed wide.

Despite bringing on Montnor and Semedo for the second half to bolster their attack, Aris could only muster half-chances. Two off-target shots from Gomis and a close-range effort saved by Uzoho were as close as Aris came to scoring.

Omonoia stood firm and an impressive defensive display saw the home side reach their third consecutive final.