Thursday, December 12 was a great day for Cyprus football, as three Cypriot teams, APOEL, Paphos FC and Omonia achieved great European victories in the context of Match Day 5 of the League Phase of the Conference League.
The three victories by the three representatives of Cyprus in a Group stage of a European competition constitute a record for the Cyprus football, which is also rising in the UEFA rankings.
At the same time, the two of the three teams, APOEL and Paphos, booked a spot in the knockout phase of the Conference League, while maintaining chances for qualification directly to the round of 16, while Omonia with its victory is on track to qualify for the knockout phase.
APOEL beat FC Noah in Armenia with 3-1 and reached 10 points and the 10th place in the group. The Cyprus champions opened the score with a header by Chebake after a corner kick in the 23′, while Noah equalized in first-half extra time with Als. In the second half, APOEL managed with its experience in major European matches, to get the victory thanks to the goals of Kostandinov in the 89′ and Abanias in the 93′.
Paphos FC yesterday continued its impressive first appearance in a European competition. The Cup winners of Cyprus defeated NK Celje with 2-0 at “Alfamega Stadium” in Limassol with goals from Dragomir in the 49’ minute and Correia in the 63’.
With their 3rd win and 9 points, the Paphos team is in 12th place and has secured qualification for the knockouts, while also maintaining chances for direct qualification to the Round of “16”.
Finally, Omonia achieved a great 3-1 victory in GSP Stadium against Rapid Vienna, the strongest opponent among the three opponents of the Cypriot teams. For the “greens” of Nicosia, Kakoullis scored in the 52′, Semedo in the 65′ and Alioum in the 95′, while Beljo temporarily equalized for Rapid in the 62′.
With this victory, Omonia reached 6 points and the 21st place that gives a qualification for the knockouts.
With yesterday’s three victories, Cyprus reached 24,225 and climbed to the 21st place in the UEFA rankings, above Sweden, Ukraine and Hungary.
( Source: CNA)
