Pambos Christodoulou’s AEL closed the gap on league leaders Omonia – who were held 1-1 in Paralimni – after a thrilling 3-0 victory over crosstown rivals Apollon on Saturday.

AEL, who are mounting their first serious title challenge in almost a decade following the arrival of the former Olympiakos Nicosia and Doxa boss, have trimmed the gap to just one point at the top after second half goals from Dossa Junior, Silas and Henrique condemned financial-stricken Apollon to yet another deflating defeat. APOEL, who beat 2-0 Anagennisis on Friday , are one point behind AEL in third place.

In Paralimni, Omonia’s hopes of stealing the league title away from APOEL was dealt a blow on half-an-hour when Jose Semedo opened the scoring for the hosts. But Algerian defender Sofiane Cherfa equalised on 63 minutes and attempted to turn the game around. Enosis, however, held on despite being reduced to ten men after French forward Cedric Moukouri was sent off for a reckless challenge on Noel Kaseke.

Anorthosis Famagusta moved into fourth place with a hard-fought 2-1 win over Olympiakos Nicosia at the GSP Stadium. Yiannis Okkas put Anorthosis ahead with a header and Czech Republic international striker Jan Rezek doubled the leader just after halftime with a breath-taking strike. Mercio’s late strike for Olympiakos ensured a tense finish for the Famagusta side.

On Sunday, Stephen Constantine’s Nea Salamina host Alki while Ethnikos Achnas welcome Aris Limassol at the Dasaki Stadium. In the only game on Monday, AEK Larnaca – who celebrated their first win in the Europa League group phase on Thursday against Maccabi Haifa to keep their chances of qualifying alive – take on neighbours Ermis Aradippou at the GSZ Stadium. Meanwhile, AEK have announced Leon Vlemmings as their new coach following the departure of fellow Dutchman Ton Caanen.

Vlemmings, 41, has in the past coached Feyenoord whilst he also held coaching positions at PSV Eindhoven, FC Eindhoven, NAC Breda and the Netherlands Under-19 national team.

Cyprus Weekly