STALEMATE AT THE GSP

The first ever all-Cypriot fixture in UEFA competition ends in a 1-1 draw between Omonoia and Pafos FC. A Willy Semedo penalty was cancelled out by a late Mislav Orsic goal, leaving both sides with everything to play for in next week’s return leg, which will be held in Limassol.

Omonoia hosted Pafos FC at the Stadio GSP in Nicosia. Pafos carried the play in the opening minutes, but Omonoia had the first attempt on goal, Loizou Loizou crossed in for Stevan Jovetic, but his header was easily saved by Ivica Ivusic. Willy Semedo wanted a penalty as he’d been hauled down in the same sequence, but nothing was given. Pafos continued to possess the ball, but the Omonoia defense held strong. Finally, Jairo had a go, but put it over the net. The first half ended with no score.

The second half began with a bang, Loizou was brought down by Jonathan Silva in the box, and a penalty was awarded for Omonoia. Semedo stepped up to take it, and hit the net, sending Ivusic the wrong way, 1-0 for Omonoia in the 51st minute.

Pafos looked for a quick equalizer, Jairo set up Muamer Tankovic for a volley, but Fabiano anticipated it well, and made the save. Ivusic then turned it over at the other end, but got back into position in time to stop Loizou’s attempt. Mislav Orsic entered the match and promptly skied one over the net.

Pafos then were given the opportunity to level the match the same way they fell behind, as Novica Erakovic brought Tankovic down in the box. Tankovic took it himself and Fabiano sprawled out to his left and made a fantastic save to keep Omonoia in front.

Pafos did eventually get on level terms. Ken Sema spun away from Alpha Diounkou and made a drop pass to Orsic, who used Senou Coulibaly as a screen and beat Fabiano, 1-1 in the 84th minute.

In stoppage time, Pafos nearly nicked a winner, but Anderson hit the side of the net. Omonoia tried to counter, but the long ball was just out of Saidou Alioum’s reach, and the match ended in a 1-1 draw.

Omonoia(Giannis Anastasiou): 40. Fabiano(GK, Captain), 2. Alpha Diounkou(’90 17. Giannis Masouras), 5. Senou Coulibaly, 30. Nikos Panayiotou, 24. Amine Khammas, 20. Mateo Maric, 8. Stevan Jovetic, 80. Novica Erakovic(’88 31. Ioannis Kousoulos), 75. Loizos Loizou, 7. Willy Semedo(’88 99. Saidou Alioum), 9. Andronikos Kakoullis

Pafos FC(Juan Carlos Carcedo): 1. Ivica Ivusic(GK), 19. Jonathan Silva(’75 12. Ken Sema), 5. David Goldar, 21. Zvonimir Sarlija, 7. Bruno Felipe, 11. Jaja(’63 17. Mislav Orsic), 88. Pepe, 26. Ivan Sunjic, 22. Muamer Tankovic, 30. Vlad Dragomir, 10. Jairo(Captain)(’75 33. Anderson)

Andrew Mantzas

Twitter: @MantzasNC