OFI knocks off Agrotikos Asteras

OFI joined the long list of Super League clubs in the Greek Cup’s Round of 16, with a narrow win over Agrotikos Asteras in Evosmos. The Cretans, without many starters, were kept in check by the Beta Ethniki side; however, the Irakleio-based side ultimately emerged with a 2-1 win.

OFI began the match brightly, and were rewarded after just fifteen minutes. Fabian Gerber’s optimistic effort was initially blocked by keeper Panagiotis Dilberis, but the German succeeded on his follow-up effort to give OFI an early 1-0 lead.

Agrotikos Asteras pegged back with a goal of their own less than fifteen minutes later. Salvador Jimenez equalized for the home side by converting a cross from Dejan Blazevski.

The second half saw both teams chase the victory, but it was Gerber’s strike before the hour that broke Asteras. A shot from distance found its way through Dilberis, as OFI grabbed a 2-1 lead.

Keen to hold on to their narrow lead, OFI continued to hold possession a majority of the remaining time; thus ending Asteras’ cup hopes.

For OFI, confidence seems to be growing for a club under the direction of caretake manager Pavlos Adamos. After firing Frantisek Straka last week, his successor has guided the Cretans to their first win of the Super League season and a much needed Cup win on Wednesday.

Agrotikos Asteras, meanwhile, are also struggling. After a competitive showing the Beta Ethniki last year, the side from Thessaloniki’s suburbs has not been as fortunate this year. Currently in thirteenth place, Asteras finds itself just four points above the drop zone.

Agrotikos Asteras 1-2 OFI Crete
Jimenez 29′ – Gerber 15′, 59′

Yellow Cards:
Agrotikos Asteras – Aspridis 53′ , Skopridis 58′.
OFI Crete – none.

Agrotikos Asteras (Georgios Foiros): Deliberis, Delibasis, Aspridis (85′ Papadopoulos), Aggelopoulos, Skliopidis, Tsoukalidis, Koutsis (20′ Pexlivanis), Sakellaridis, Blazevski, Kyzeridis, Jimenez (75′ Tsouklis).

OFI Crete (Pavlos Adamos): Kasmeridis, Barcauan, Taralidis, Isa, Simic (89′ Sfakianakis), Orosz (66′ Popovic), Roubakis (82′ Stavrakakis), Dimoutsoso, Kostovski, Moniakis, Gerber.

Venue: Evosmos Stadium, Evosmos, Thessaloniki, Greece

Category: Greek Cup, OFI Crete FC