The 2024 Greek Community Cup is gearing up for the semi-finals this Tuesday, with the highly anticipated matches sure to follow suit in what was a thrilling round-robin of matches.
In the first semi-final match, Group A’s top team Malvern City FC will go head-to-head with Kingston City FC, who finished second in Group B.
Malvern has enjoyed an undefeated run so far, beating Heidelberg United 3-2, Altona East Phoenix 2-0 and a 1-1 draw with East Kew FC.
Meanwhile Kingston did not open the tournament the way they would have liked, losing to last year’s winner South Melbourne 3-0.
However, they bounced back to beat South Springvale 3-1 before drawing with Oakleigh Cannons 1-1.
This match kicks off at 6.45pm, and will set the stage for an evening on football action at Heatherton United FC.
The second semi-final sees Group B leader Oakleigh Cannons up against Heidelberg United, Group A runner up.
Oakleigh were dominant in the round-robin, kicking a total of 10 goals while only conceding two. They beat South Springvale 5-0, defeated tournament favourite South Melbourne 4-1 and then drew one goal a piece with Kingston.
Alexandros got off to a wobbly start, narrowly losing 2-3 to Malvern, bounced back against East Kew with a 2-0 win and then sent a statement to the rest of the competitors with an 8-0 win over Altona East.
Kicking off at 8.30pm, this will be a battle of two giants in the Greek soccer community, both will be looking for supremacy over the other and a chance to secure a spot in the championship final.
President of the Greek Community of Melbourne (GCM) Bill Papastergiadis expressed his excitement about the ongoing tournament, saying it is a testament to the passion within the community.
“It is encouraging to see so many people of our community actively participating by attending and supporting the teams,” he said in GCM media release.
“Let’s come together, celebrate the true spirit of the tournament, and create lasting memories.”
He also shared that through initiatives like the Greek Community Cup, the GCM strives to enhance strong bonds within our community.
“We will also be utilising the tournament to enhance our language programs with our clubs with the involvement of Dr Nick Dallas, the GCM Head of Educational Programs, and Maria Bakalidou, the Principal of the GCM Schools. We will also announce shortly a joint initiative for the finals with Andy Paschalidis on important health outcomes for our community.”
GCM Vice President Michael Karamitos said the tournament has been important in connecting with youth and creating meaningful pathways for them to associate with the Community.
For whichever two teams triumph this coming Tuesday, the ultimate prize awaits them, as they will advance to the grand final on Sunday February 4, where this year’s champion will be crowned.
