Both Cypriot clubs in UEFA action on Thursday evening suffered 2–1 defeats, but each remains hopeful of overturning the results in the upcoming return legs on home soil.
In the Europa League playoffs, AEK Larnaca were edged out by Norwegian side Brann in Bergen. Imanol Idiakez’s side took the lead in the 16th minute through Angel García Agyei, only to see their advantage wiped out just four minutes later when Mikkel Mikkelsen levelled for the hosts.
The match looked set to end in a draw, but Brann snatched victory deep into stoppage time, with Niklas Torsvik scoring in the 93rd minute. The second leg will be played at AEK Arena on 27 August at 19:30, with qualification for the group stage still very much open.
Meanwhile, in the UEFA Conference League, Omonia also suffered a 2–1 away loss to Wolfsberger AC in Austria. The Nicosia side got off to a promising start, taking the lead in the 15th minute thanks to a goal from defender Souleymane Koulibaly.
However, the hosts equalised through Augustine Nuawusu in the 30th minute and found the winner in the closing stages of the match, with Nemanja Zukić scoring in the 87th minute.
Omonia will look to turn things around in the return leg on 28 August at 19:00 at the GSP Stadium.
Source: CNA
Feature photo source: Cyprus Mail
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