AEK inflicted a shock defeat on APOEL in Nicosia on Sunday to climb back to joint first place with 25 points, equal to those of APOEL and Anorthosis, though the Famagusta side has one game to play. This was the first away victory by the Larnaca team against APOEL in nine years, and also broke APOEL’s undefeated run this season.
In Limassol. Omonia’s hopes of a come back after a dismal start to the season suffered a further dent after it lost 2-1 to Apollon which clinched their fifth consecutive victory under coach Nikki Papavassiliou and continued their bid to make it into the top four. The Limassol team is now fifth with 19 points and Omonia sixth with 13.
AEK opened the score in Nicosia with Seran on the 23th minute and stayed ahead for the first half. APOEL came in to the second half determined to equalise and after several chances in front of goal managed to score with Pinto in the 53rd minute. But it was AEK that was to come out winners, when in the 73rd Jason Demetriou managed to double his team’s goals. APOEL had a goal disallowed as offisde close to the end of play. The end of the game was followed by crowd trouble, with police using tear gas to disperse APOEL fans. In the day’s other derby, Apollon beat Omonia 2-1, coming from behind to make it five consecutive victories. Omonia went ahead with Leandro in the 26th, but were down to 10 players in the 39th minute when Alabi was sent off. Parlov equalised in the 51st and Thedorides gave his team the three points in the 77th. Omonia had a chance to equalise in the 84 but Freddy’s penalty was off target.
In the third game, Doxa was able to clinch three valuable points with a win over Nea Salamina.
Cyprus Weekly