You could not have had a better day for the KOPA Challenge Cup Final which was played at Barnet FC , Underhill Stadium on Sunday the weather was lovely and hot and the supporters came out in droves there was well over 500 spectators who were well loud. The Cetinkaya Cinar fans were even banging away on the big drums it was a great day and a historical one in the fact that this was the first time that a KOPA game had taken place on a League ground. It was also great that this game was televised by RIK TV and was shown in Cyprus and to countries that can view RIK TV by satellite.
There was such a great atmosphere it was great to be part of it, lots of drinks and food a good family day out with a lot of the players parents, brothers and sisters and even grandparents.
It really was a Cup atmosphere the players were led out by the officials A Monk, B Kyriacou, A Winterbotham and S Russell and team managers Ahmet Akil Sadi and Dino Ippocratous to the Tina Turner song of simply the best and both teams stood in line and shook hands before the game started.
The game got under way and both teams were playing nervously and took them a while to settle down.
In the first half there were a few long distance shots a couple from Sheldon of Cetinkaya Cinar and from Rizokarpasso James Demosthenous and Lawrence Rispoli.
Second half was busy for the goalkeepers Panayi of Rizokarpasso and Remzi of Cetinkaya Cinar who were both outstanding. Salih Karakis of Cetinkaya Cinar had a couple of good chances to score. While Harry Vazania and Jamie Brandon had chances for Rizokarpasso.
The second half finished nil nil so into extra time it went with both teams knowing that one goal could finish the game so putting pressure on both teams and their fans.
Fan s were already on heat as the last day of the Premiership up dates were being announced on the tanooy and cheers were heard by the crowd.
In extra time there weren’t many clear cut chances which ended goalless and into extra time it went.
The goal keepers started limbering up and the first two penalties were scored Remzi the Cinar keeper saved but two missed penalties by Cinar ended up with Rizokarpasso winning the KOPA Challenge Cup.
The General Secretary of the League Michael Yiakoumi then spoke and gave a big thank you to the finalists the match officials to the supporters to the sponsor Buzz Sweets and to Tony Kleanthous the Chairman of Barnet FC for allowing them to use Underhill Stadium for the Cup final.
The KOPA Challenge Cup was presented by the sponsor of the Cup Philon Parpottas from Buzz Sweets and the Chairman of the League Lakis Chrysotomou. The runners up cup and medals were then presented to Cetinkaya Cinar who were led by their captain Josh Djelal and then the winners Rizokarpasso were led by their captain James Demosthenous and then the party started with all the Rizo players jumping about with their supporters and families.
