Paphos FC takes a decisive step towards a place in the last “8” with a 1-0 win over Djurgarden
Paphos FC took a decisive step towards qualifying for the quarter-finals of the Conference League, by defeating Djurgarden 1-0 on Thursday night in the first leg of the “16” phase. The match was played at the Alphamega Stadium, where the Cypriot team, the country’s sole representative in European competitions, secured a significant lead ahead of the second leg.
The only goal of the match was scored by Muamer Tankovic in the 65th minute, with a close-range shot that decided the outcome. The Swedish footballer punished the Swedish team, giving the “blues” the opportunity to dream of a historic qualification to the last”8″.
Pafos FC will be in Stockholm next Thursday (March 13), aiming to complete its mission and continue its impressive journey in the competition.
The match was characterized by a high pace, several scenarios and tension, while there were strong protests about the refereeing of the Georgian referee Giorgi Kroashvili. Despite the narrow score, Pafos FC managed to get the victory, and now they are called upon to face the challenges of Sweden: the hot Djurgården stadium, the plastic turf and the low temperatures prevailing in the Scandinavian country.
Meanwhile, in the match that will determine the opponent of the team that will advance to the quarterfinals, Borac and Rapid Vienna drew 1-1.
The team lineups were:
Pafos FC (Juan Carlos Carcedo): Ivusic, Bruno, Goldar (64′ Sarlia), Lukasen, Silva (86′ Pileas), Sunic, Pepe, Dragomir, Tankovic (80′ Orsic), Sema (64′ Correa), Zairo (Anderson 64′).
Djurgarden (Janni Honkavara): Safgvist, Stahl, Tino (74′ Danielsson), Larsson, Keita, Aslund (74′ Halara), Schuler (74′ Stenson), Zugeli (61′ Fidel), Guliksen, Falenius (84′ Priske), Tokmak.