Cup king Ketsbaia keeps his cool
Sunday, May 18, 2003
Article summary
Timuri Ketsbaia struck the winning penalty to give Anorthosis Famagusta FC the Cypriot Cup.
Article body
Timuri Ketsbaia struck the winning penalty to ensure Anorthosis Famagusta FC retained the Cypriot Cup on spot-kicks at the expense of AEL Limassol.
Panagiotou heroics
The game finished goalless after extra-time and once Nicos Panagiotou had saved AEL's first penalty, taken by Alexis Garpozis, Anorthosis were always in the driving seat. No further spot-kicks were missed, meaning Ketsbaia's strike, Anorthosis' fifth, was to prove decisive.
Missed chances
Ketsbaia could have sealed the result in normal time but watched his powerful 51st-minute strike well saved by Demetris Leonis. At the other end AEL, playing in their first final since 1989, went closest when Luciano de Souza's header flashed just wide.
Ninth success
In the end, however, spot-kicks were required and Anorthosis kept their nerve to lift the Cup for the ninth time in their history.
