APOEL moved above Apollon Limassol at the top of the league on Saturday after beating Anorthosis Famagusta 1-0 while Apollon Limassol suffered a deflating 1-0 loss at Ermis fifth place Aradippou.
John Arne Riise’s deflected effort against Anorthosis Famagusta ensured the Cypriot title holders moved one point ahead of closest challengers Apollon Limassol with nine games to go. Apollon Limassol’s slumped to a 1-0 defeat at Ermis Aradippou allowing APOEL to go top in what is
“I think we had our best first half since the new coach came in,” said Riise after the game. “But a one-goal lead is always dangerous so you always try and get that second goal. The second half they played much better and it was very difficult for us. But it’s a very important win for us and we have to keep going.”
APOEL will now be hoping for a repeat success on Wednesday over Anorthosis as they remain on course for a consecutive double before then turning their attention to yet another massive league game against bitter rivals Omonia in the Nicosia derby.
In Larnaca, Ermis responded in the best possible fashion from the heartache of their Cyprus Coca-Cola Cup exit at the hands of AEL in midweek by beating leaders Apollon while simultaneously knocking the Limassol club of the top of the table.
The only goal of the game was scored by Nigerian striker Ifeanyi Onyilo who beat Bruno Vale with a brilliant strike from outside the area.
“I have to congratulate my players,” Ermis coach Mitchell van der Gaag told reporters after the game. “After the last minute defeat in the [Cyprus Coca-Cola] Cup, we managed to make a response just a few days later by beating league leaders Apollon.”
Cyprus Weekly