AEK earned a much-needed consolation victory against rivals Olympiacos in the second leg of the Greek Cup semi-finals, while OFI has secured a berth in the Final for the first time in 35 years.
Enosi restored some pride with a 2-0 home victory over the Piraeus giants on Thursday morning (AEDT), though they ultimately lost the tie 6-2 on aggregate.
The hosts opened the scoring in the 37th minute when a ball from winger Aboubakary Koita led to centre half David Carmo unintentionally knocking the ball into his own net.
AEK then doubled their lead in the 77th minute, thanks to an excellent free kick strike from veteran playmaker Petros Mantalos.
The result did very little for Enosi in terms of the Cup given the 6-0 drubbing in the first leg sealed their fate even before the first whistle at “Agia Sophia” Stadium, though it is an important confidence boost they can use ahead of the remaining play-offs games.
AEK is locked in a battle with Panathinaikos and PAOK for second place, with the successful club to earn the Champions League qualifying round spot that comes with it.
The Cup victory serves as a good launching pad for the Double-headed eagle of the South as they set their sights on sealing second.
In the other semi-final tie, OFI played out a 1-1 home draw with Asteras Tripolis to win 2-1 on aggregate and qualify for the first time since 1990 to the Greek Cup Final.
The Arcadians were first to score as they equalised the tie in the tenth minute via Miki Munoz, bringing the visitors firmly back in contention for the Final.
The Cretans took back control of the tie in the 78th minute when defender Jordan Silva headed home a ball by Borja Gonzalez.
There was some late chaos after OFI goalkeeper Nikos Christogeorgos received a straight red in the 90+9th minute, with midfielder Marko Bakic filling in between the sticks for the final minutes and even producing a save to protect their lead on aggregate.
OFI celebrated the progression into the Cup Final immensely, the first time they have made it that far since 1990 when they also faced Olympiacos in a 4-2 loss.
The Cretans will hope to do better this time around and add a second Cup to their trophy cabinet.
