APOEL and AEK were the winners in the two crucial weekend games of the 23rd round of the Cyprus football championship against Omonia and Anorthosis respectively.
At the bottom of the table, AEL took a huge step in moving clear of the automatic relegation zone with an emphatic 4-0 win over Doxa while Enosis remains the likely candidate for the drop (along with Ayia Napa) despite a last-gasp equaliser that earned them a point against Nea Salamina.
In one of the dullest games involving two top-six teams AEK beat Anorthosis 1-0. Even the goal was a reflection of the game and it came about after Triscovski’s strike hit an opponent and completely wrong-footed Anorthosis keeper Koprivec.
To be fair to AEK they were missing a number of key players, and having taken an early lead they were more than happy for the game to be played at a snail’s pace.
The onus was on Anorthosis to raise their game but Andre Paous’ team looked lethargic and disinterested. Even when AEK were reduced to ten men (again) following Laban’s second yellow with 20 minutes still on the clock, the Famagusta team were unable to launch one dangerous attack.
In the other big weekend game APOEL had few problems in overcoming arch-rivals Omonia with Efraim scoring both goals in the first half.
Temur Ketsbaia’s team were much the better side, rock solid at the back, tenacious in midfield and lightning-fast up front.
Omonia produced perhaps one of their worst displays under new coach Milojevic with the Serbian taking full responsibility for the defeat that all but ends their championship hopes, but also puts at risk their quest for a European place.
A first-half penalty, converted by Ranos, and an injury-time goal by Bonyface were enough to give Aris the three points over Ethnikos Achnas.
Ethnikos were the better side but they came up against an inspired Nurendinofski in the Aris goal.
The win takes Aris just four points off sixth place, putting pressure on Nea Salamina who let slip a two goal lead against Enosis.
Nea Salamina’s top scorer Makriev was again on hand scoring both goals but two mistakes by rookie Michael in goal allowed Enosis to steal a point with Bouman and Bozovic the scorers.
Paphos FC hit four past relegated Ayia Napa despite falling behind to a second-minute Moulazimis goal. Ogoyie restored parity 15 minutes later with the same player scoring again before the break after Agivi had given Paphos FC the lead.
Domachou got the fourth from the penalty spot.
Apollon won 2-1 at Ermis in the final game of the round last night.
