Aris end long wait
Wednesday, April 23, 2003
Article summary
Aris Thessaloniki FC will contest the Greek Cup final for the first time in 33 years after eliminating Egaleo FC.
Article body
Aris Thessaloniki FC will contest the Greek Cup final for the first time in 33 years, possibly against city rivals FC PAOK Thessaloniki, after progressing from their semi-final tonight.
Away goals
Aris drew 0-0 at home to Egaleo FC but qualified on away goals after a 1-1 draw in the first leg. Aris were the better side throughout tonight's match, Selahedine Bassir twice going close after Joel Epale had a 13th-minute chance saved. Richard Knopper and Epale again then went within centimetres of scoring but in the end the misses did not prove crucial as Aris claimed their place in the 17 May final, to be played at the Toumba Stadium in Thessaloniki.
Capital gains
PAOK are looking their most likely opponents after winning the first leg of their tie against AEK Athens FC 1-0 in the capital tonight. The only goal came after 40 minutes when, from a swift counterattack, Giannakis Okkas fed Giasemakis Giasemi to lob the ball over goalkeeper Dionyssis Hiotis. The second leg will be played on 7 May.
