Cillian Sheridan gave APOEL a 1-0 lead over AEL in their first leg second round Cyprus Coca-Cola match yesterday.
Brazilian Gustavo Manduca found space down the right wing and clipped a cross into the area which Sheridan poked home from close range in the 39th minute.
AEL were unable to fashion any genuine goal-scoring chances and frustations boiled over at the end of the match which saw Dede receive a red card.
A last minute strike by Greek forward Fotios Papoulis earned holders Apollon a 1-0 win over Nea Salamina in their first leg tie.
In a game of few chances Apollon struggled to break down a Nea Salamina side that seemed content to just restrict their hosts.
Before his strike Papoulis was presented with the game’s best opportunity in the 85th minute after he was found in the six yard area with just the keeper to beat, but the Greek striker lifted the ball over the bar when it seemed easier to score.
Nea Salamina must have thought that they had seem off their hosts, but a floated cross from Gaston Sangoy found the unmarked Papoulis again in the six yard area and he made no mistake this time.
In Paralimni Enosis and Ethnikos Achnas played out a goalless draw in a game of few chances.
Earlier yesterday, AEK Kouklion and Doxa Katokopia both recorded first leg victories in their ties.
Ermis were 1-0 losers at AEK as Nicos Panagiotou’s side faced an uphill battle after Paulo Pina was handed his marching orders for a dangerous tackle on 35 minutes. New signing Yiannis Taralides then gave away a penalty following a challenge on Wesslem and Veteran defender Alexandros Garpozis dually obliged from the spot.
AEK held on for the win despite late pressure from the visitors.
Earlier yesterday, AEK Kouklion and Doxa Katokopia both recorded first leg victories in their ties.
Ermis were 1-0 losers at AEK as Nicos Panagiotou’s side faced an uphill battle after Paulo Pina was handed his marching orders for a dangerous tackle on 35 minutes. New signing Yiannis Taralides then gave away a penalty following a challenge on Wesslem and Veteran defender Alexandros Garpozis dually obliged from the spot.
AEK held on for the win despite late pressure from the visitors.
Doxa Katokopia took a big step towards a place in the third round after a Leandro brace helped the refugee club to a 3-1 victory over second division B1 side Olympiakos Nicosia.
The Brazilian striker opened the scoring on 11 minutes before adding his second right after halftime. His compatriot Gleison made it 3-0 on 56 minutes before Olympiakos’ Kyriakos Vasiliou scored with 76th minute consolation strike. Doxa ended the match with ten men after Portuguese defender Carlos Marques was sent off for a reckless challenge.
The Brazilian striker opened the scoring on 11 minutes before adding his second right after halftime. His compatriot Gleison made it 3-0 on 56 minutes before Olympiakos’ Kyriakos Vasiliou scored with 76th minute consolation strike. Doxa ended the match with ten men after Portuguese defender Carlos Marques was sent off for a reckless challenge.
