LEAGUE leaders APOEL dropped two points on Sunday away to surprise packages Ayia Napa whilst rivals Omonia closed the gap to four points after their easy win over Olympiakos Nicosia.
It could have been far worse for Marinos Ouzounides’ men who found themselves trailing 2-0 with just 20 minutes to go. But a late rally ensured that the league leaders remain unbeaten whilst at the same time denied Ayia Napa their first win of the season.
It was the second time this season that APOEL have dropped points at the Tassos Markou stadium in Paralimni.
It was also Napa’s seventh draw of the season.
Christophoros Christophi had put the hosts into a shock lead on 17 minutes – capitalising on a dreadful mix up between Christos Kontis and goalkeeper Michalis Morphis.
Any alarm bells ringing on the APOEL bench went into overdrive when Costas Georgiou doubled his side’s lead with a good header from close range on 71 minutes.
The celebrations were short-lived, however, as veteran Greek striker Nicos Machlas pounced another defensive mistake to throw his side back into match.
Substitute Esteban Solari rescued a point with eight minutes left as he was left unmarked to beat the onrushing Nicos Panayiotou with looping header.
Speaking after the game, Ouzounides said that he was happy to see his side bounce back late on adding that his side had gone behind to a good team.
In Nicosia, George Vakouftsis hit a fine hat-trick as his side easily defeated Costas Malekos’ sinking Olympiakos.
The Greek striker broke the deadlock on the half hour mark as he latched onto a pass from Costas Kaiafas and executed goalkeeper Demetris Stylianou.
The bustling striker made it two just after the break with a spectacular dipping volley from just outside the area before finishing off the route in injury time from the penalty spot.
Third place Anorthosis Famagusta failed close the gap after they were held to a 1-1 draw by AEK Larnaca. Savvas Poursaitides put the hosts ahead but with a strike from close range but Jatto Ceesay rescued a point for AEK in the 58th minute.
Champions Apollon Limassol have more or less waved their title hopes goodbye after suffering a 3-1 home defeat at the hands of Enosis Neon Paralimniou.
Aris Limassol bounced back from their 7-1 mauling last weekend to beat Nea Salamina 5-2 – a result which saw coach Andreas Michaelides announce his resignation after the game.
The news was not so good for Aris’ neighbours, AEL Limassol, who could only muster a 0-0 away to Dighenis Morphou. Panicos Orphanides’ side have now gone four wins without a win.
Meanwhile last placed AEP Paphos secured a valuable point as Adam Foti equalised Zoran Stepjanovic goal in a 1-1 draw at UEFA Intertoto Cup winners Ethnikos Achnas.
