The determined effort of our National Team was rewarded with a valuable point in the 5th matchday of the World Cup qualifying group, as Cyprus held Romania to a 2-2 draw at the GSP Stadium.

Although Cyprus fell behind 2-0 within the opening 20 minutes, the players showed character and resilience, mounting a spirited comeback to level the score — and coming close to a remarkable victory in the closing stages.

Romania went ahead with two goals from Drăguș (2’, 18’). Cyprus responded in the 29th minute when, following a fine individual effort from Kostas Kastanos, Loizos Loizou timed his run perfectly to meet the cross and finish from close range for 2-1.

In the second half, Cyprus increased the pressure and was rewarded in the 76th minute. Ioannis Kakoullis headed the ball into the path of Charalambos Charalambous, who struck a powerful shot to make it 2-2.

The team continued to press for a winning goal, and deep into stoppage time came close to completing the turnaround. Ioannis Pittas found himself in an excellent position, but his effort was denied by the Romanian goalkeeper.

This result gives Cyprus its fourth point in the qualifying campaign, confirming the positive signs of progress and competitiveness shown in recent performances.

Cyprus Line-up: Fabiano, Pileas (46’ Correia), Siellis, Laifis, Sikkis, Kousoulos (62’ C. Charalambous), Kosti (68’ C. Kyriakou), Kastanos, Loizou (62’ Kakoullis), Tzionis (87’ Koutsakos), Pittas.