Under-17’s reach final [with pictures]
One goal was enough for PAO’s Under-17 side to secure their ticket to the final. It was rnough but also … the minimum given the superiority of PAOK over AEK for almost throughout the semi-final clash. The Double-headed Eagle will lift the trophy if they defeat Olympiacos in Sunday’s final (11.06 at 17:00).
However, despite the positivity of the result, there was some upsetting news. The image of the inconsolable Giorgos Koupenos, after his collision with his friend and teammate Vassilis Tsintsolis, who unfortunately left the field injured, was deeply emotional and, as far as we are concerned, indicative of the bond that unites the youngsters.
Despite PAOK’s almost absolute superiority in the first 45 minutes, the score remained 0-0. PAOK moved the ball around well, were dominant, while also being virtually never under threat, and had at least four really good scoring chances. Chatzidis, Avrambos, Dunga and Tsobanis all went close. AEK, on the other hand, had the opportunity from their one and only phase to open the scoring in the 26th minute, however Tsintsolis reacted superbly to deny them. Unfortunately after that, Tsintsolis left the field with some discomfort and was replaced by Beleris.
More determined in the second half, PAOK managed to get the crucial breakthrough in the 57th minute. Tsobanis sent over a corner and Kalaitsidis made it 1-0 for teh Double-headed Eagle with a header. AEK tried for get on level terms, but it was not easy, since PAOK were in complete control. Things were made harder for AEK when Boussio’s dismissal due to a second yellow card saw them play out the rest of the game with 10 men.
The result was that PAOK qualified and they are already preparing for Sunday’s final, where they will face Olympiacos.
Team lineups:
AEK: Anargyrou, Bousios, Markopoulos, Psyropoulos, Tsaramanidis (88, Papazisis), Dani, Raptis (66′ Andriotis), Sarris, Palaiologou, Kolimatsis (88′ Psychogios), Elezi (84′ Zoulias).
PAOK: Tsintsolis (39′ Beleris), Koupenos, Polykratis, Panikidis, Avrampos, Scznaucner, Tsobanis (78′ Mythos), Kalaitsidis (78′ Kesidis), Chatsidis, Papageorgiou, Dunga (66′ Karaioannou).
