APOEL maintained their unbeaten run in the domestic title race on Sunday following a 1-0 victory over Nicosia derby rivals Omonia. Giorgos Efrem opened his account with Giorgos Donis’ side since his summer move from Omonia to bitter rivals APOEL and the Cypriot international refrained from celebrating as a mark of respect for his old club.

The victory also saw APOEL end their goal drought in which they essentially went 398 minutes without scoring a goal prior to Efrem’s strike.

For financially-hit Omonia, the defeat not only added to their off-field problems – as they continue to battle debts totally €14million – but also left them four points shy of third place Ermis Aradippou and 11 points adrift of leaders APOEL.

The breakthrough came after a brilliant flowing move following a counter-attack in which Cillian Sheridan fed Gustavo Manduca and the Brazilian forward, in turn, found Efrem with a cheeky back-heel on 38 minutes.

Omonia, who offered little in terms of attack, were reduced to ten men late in the second half when Charalambos Kyriakou was sent off by referee Demetris Masias for a second bookable offence.

In the other game on Sunday, AEK Larnaca secured a hard-fought but crucial 1-0 win over relegation battlers Doxa Katokopia. Brazilian winger Vander scored the only goal of the contest on nine minutes to keep Thomas Christiansen’ side in touch with a Europa League place next season.

Cyprus Weekly