Report by Dr. Talal Osman
OFI Crete lifted the Greek Cup trophy for the second time in their history, after a thrilling 3–2 comeback victory over PAOK in the final, played on Saturday evening in the city of Volos and stretching into extra time.
According to the German news agency (dpa), the title is OFI’s first in the Greek Cup since their triumph in 1987, completing a remarkable tournament run highlighted by their victory over AEK Athens on their way to the final.
PAOK took an early lead through Yannis Michailidis in the 15th minute, before Takis Fontas equalised for Crete in the 28th.
In the second half, Argentinian forward Thiago Nunez put OFI ahead in the 50th minute, finishing a cleverly worked team move. However, PAOK struck back in stoppage time: substitute Alexander Jeremejeff scored an equaliser in the 7th minute of added time, forcing the match into extra periods.
In the first half of extra time, Aaron Liaseca sealed the trophy for OFI from the penalty spot, awarded after a hand‑ball on Dimitris Hatjidis.
This success also gave manager Christos Kontis his second Greek Cup title in three years, following his triumph with Panathinaikos in 2024.
The win grants OFI Crete a ticket to next season’s UEFA Europa League qualifying rounds, marking a major step forward for the Cretan club.
