In a tense Cyprus Championship clash, Aris edged Anorthosis 3-2 in round seven, delivering drama from the opening whistle to the final seconds. Both sides showed a clear hunger for league points as the halfway mark of the season approached, with every attack and counterattack underscoring the high stakes in this matchup.
The breakthrough arrived early as Aris struck in the eighth minute. Yannick Gomis finished with a composed finish to catapult the visitors into the lead. The home team responded with intent, and in the 12th minute a coordinated sequence culminated in Mihlali Mayambela firing home a second goal to extend Aris’ advantage and put them in control as the first phase of the game unfolded. Anorthosis refused to bow, mounting pressure and pulling one back just before the break when Chico Banza found the target in the 41st minute, setting the stage for a pulsating second half.
The tempo remained high after the restart as Dimitrianos Tsouliou leveled matters for Anorthosis in the 64th minute, sparking renewed urgency from both camps. The decisive moment came later when Aris forward Alexander Kokorin, wearing the club colors, found the back of the net and delivered the game-winning goal. Kokorin’s influence on the pitch this season was evident, as he emerged as a primary attacking threat and a catalyst for Aris’ campaign.
Following the result, Aris climbed to second place in the league standings with 14 points, while Anorthosis also reached 14 points but sat fourth due to tiebreakers or goal difference. The mid-season positioning reflects the competitive balance typical of the Cyprus Championship and underscores how crucial consistent performances will be as the campaign progresses.
Context surrounding Kokorin includes a summer arrangement that saw Fiorentina loan him to Aris for a year. Reports in recent months indicate Cypriot clubs are keen to retain the Russian striker beyond the current spell, highlighting the impact he has had in helping Aris compete at a high level. In the prior season, Kokorin played 27 league matches and scored 11 goals, contributing significantly to Aris securing a podium finish. His performances have been a frequent topic in discussions about the team’s ambitions during this period. Numerous football outlets and match reports have tracked Kokorin’s status and the club’s strategy as the transfer window continued to evolve, reflecting the ongoing balance between immediate competitive needs and longer-term development for players.
As the season unfolded, Kokorin was initially expected to remain with Fiorentina, with plans to feature in early fixtures for the Italian club. He appeared in a Conference League fixture before the loan to Aris was extended, allowing him to further influence Aris’ campaign. This sequence illustrates how European clubs navigate loan moves to balance short-term impact with long-term plans for player growth and financial considerations.
Beyond the on-pield actions, statements from the father of a former Aris head coach offered insights into the club’s stance and expectations regarding the Russian forward. The remarks helped illuminate Aris’ culture and how it views foreign talents contributing to domestic success, emphasizing the club’s openness to players who can raise the level of competition in Cyprus.
Overall, the seventh round result adds another layer to a season already filled with dramatic twists and tight battles for top positions in the Cyprus Championship. Kokorin’s decisive moments and the support from teammates strengthened Aris’ status as a serious challenger, while Anorthosis continued to push for momentum as the campaign advances. As the league progresses, fans can expect more exciting encounters as clubs chase playoff spots and silverware in the months ahead.