AEK Larnaca 3–2 Akritas: Three Penalties Decide a Cup Battle That Went the Distance

Akritas Chlorakas exited the Coca-Cola Cup after a 3-2 extra-time defeat at AEK Larnaca. But the final score tells only part of the story.

All three AEK goals came from the penalty spot. Akritas scored twice from open play, took the lead early and fought back at the very end of normal time.

Against the side sitting second in the First Division, Akritas delivered a performance built on defensive organisation, attacking intent and a determination that lasted until the final whistle.

A renewed spirit on the pitch

Following the change in coaching leadership, this performance offered encouraging signs of renewed confidence and togetherness.

Akritas defended with discipline, worked for one another and attacked with conviction. The players appeared to have the freedom and belief to express themselves against strong opposition.

One match cannot define a turnaround. But the commitment and resilience shown in Larnaca provided a standard to build on.

Pozatzidis puts Akritas ahead

Akritas struck first in the ninth minute. Charis Pozatzidis followed a back-pass towards AEK goalkeeper Andreas Paraskevas, capitalised on a loose touch and finished to give the visitors an early advantage.

It was the reward for pressing with purpose and following the play. AEK responded through Nicolás Andereggen’s penalty in the 35th minute, sending the teams into the interval level at 1–1.

Defensive discipline and chances at both ends

The second half brought important interventions from both goalkeepers. Ellinas Sofroniou helped keep Akritas in contention, supported by a defensive effort that repeatedly frustrated the hosts. At the other end, Pavlos Charidimou threatened before Savvas Christodoulou’s close-range header forced Paraskevas into a crucial save.

AEK were reduced to ten men when Andereggen received a straight red card following a VAR review for a challenge on Dramé. Akritas remained firmly in the contest, creating opportunities while continuing to compete across the pitch.

Dramé delivers in the 96th minute

The match appeared to be slipping away when substitute Yerson Chacón converted AEK’s second penalty in the first minute of stoppage time.

Akritas answered. In the sixth added minute, Hamed Karamoko Dramé struck a powerful shot inside the area to make it 2–2 and force extra time.

Finding that response after conceding so late captured the spirit of the performance. Akritas refused to let the game go.

A third penalty decides the tie

AEK regained the lead in extra time through Hrvoje Miličević, who converted their third penalty.

Akritas still had an opportunity to respond. Savvas Christodoulou stepped up for a penalty that would have brought the teams level again, but was unable to convert.

The visitors continued pressing for an equaliser. Michael Dellios came close to making it 3–3, testing Paraskevas as Akritas pushed the hosts through the closing stages. AEK ultimately held on to advance.

A performance to build on

The disappointment of elimination remains. So does the evidence of what this team can produce.

Akritas scored twice from open play, conceded no goals from open play and remained in contention until the closing stages of extra time.

Three penalties proved decisive for AEK. Across the rest of the contest, Akritas showed defensive resolve, created chances and found the character to recover from a late setback.

There are lessons to take from the penalties conceded and the opportunities missed. There is also confidence to take from the organisation, energy and togetherness on display.

The challenge now is to carry that standard into the league campaign.

The cup run ends here. The belief and commitment shown in Larnaca must continue.

Match summary

• AEK Larnaca 3–2 Akritas Chlorakas, after extra time
• Half-time: 1–1 | After 90 minutes: 2–2
• Coca-Cola Cup, First Round
• AEK Arena | 21 October 2026
• AEK scorers: Andereggen 35′ (pen), Chacón 90+1′ (pen), Miličević (pen, extra time)
• Akritas scorers: Pozatzidis 9′, Dramé 90+6′

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