Cyprus Men’s National Team defeated Moldova 3–2 in a friendly match held at the GSP Stadium.
Our team delivered a very strong performance in the first half, during which they managed to take a 3–0 lead.
The Moldovans scored twice in the second half and made things difficult for our team, but Cyprus ultimately managed to secure the win.
Grigoris Kastanos opened the scoring as early as the 5th minute, followed by two goals from Charalambos Charalambous in the 30th and 44th minutes.
Popescu scored in the 55th minute and Stina in the 88th minute for Moldova.
Ioannis Pittas missed a big chance to make it 4–1 in the 59th minute, with the score at 3–1 at the time.
It was another useful friendly for our team as part of their preparation for official matches. It was certainly a game with many positives, but also aspects that need improvement ahead of our National Team’s participation in the Nations League.
The important thing is that our team returned to winning ways, something that will provide a psychological boost for everyone moving forward.
Cyprus (A. Mantzios): A. Paraskeva, G. Satsias (73' A. Siikkis), N. Panayiotou (85' E. Antoniou), St. Andreou, K. Pileas (85' A. Correia), Ch. Charalambous (61' E. Andreou), Ch. Kyriakou (73' I. Kousoulos), Gr. Kastanos (85' P. Andreou), L. Loizou (61' I. Kosti), A. Kakoullis (85' N. Koutsakos), I. Pittas (85' A. Neophytou).
Substitutes: N. Michail, P. Kyriakou, Chr. Sielis, Stavros Georgiou.
Today marked the first appearance for the Men’s National Team for Andreas Paraskeva and Evagoras Antoniou.
The match was officiated by Romanian referee Marian Barbu.
The next fixtures for our Men’s National Team are on June 4 away against Slovenia.
Another friendly match will follow on June 7, and then in September, October, and November Cyprus will compete in the Nations League as follows:
Matchday 1, Friday, September 25
Montenegro – Cyprus
Matchday 2, Monday, September 28
Latvia / Gibraltar – Cyprus
Matchday 3, Friday, October 2
19:00 Cyprus – Armenia
Monday 4, October 5
19:00 Cyprus – Latvia / Gibraltar
Matchday 5, Thursday, November 12
19:00 Armenia – Cyprus
Matchday 6, Sunday, November 15
16:00 Cyprus – Montenegro
