PAOK made a huge step towards qualifying to the 2003 Greek Cup final by prevailing 1-0 in the first semi-final leg against AEK Athens in “Nikos Goumas” Stadium. Giasemakis Giasemi scored the solitary goal of the encounter. In the 40th minute, Giannis Okkas intercepted the ball in midfield and charged down the left flank to cross it to his fellow countryman who beat the keeper with a low drive.

PAOK had survived a five-minute siege in the early stages of the encounter, with Lakis (10’), Ζagorakis (12’) and Tsiartas wasting opportunities to net the opener. Afterwards the “Double-Headed Eagle” managed to keep their rivals away from their box thanks to their successful defensive tactics.

Okkas had the opportunity to score PAOK’s second deep into injury time, when he went one on one with goalkeeper Chiotis, but his shot flew just wide. He settled the score however in the second leg, as he equalized for PAOK in the 88th minute, denying AEK of extra time and sealing his team’s qualification to the Greek Cup final. A few weeks later, PAOK would win the trophy against city rivals Aris.