Omonia to face Kairat in Champions League qualifiers
Omonia Nicosia will face Kairat Almaty in the second qualifying round of the UEFA Champions League. The first leg is scheduled for July 22 at the GSP Stadium in Cyprus, with the return match taking place one week later in Almaty. Kairat qualified for this round with a 4-1 aggregate victory over Sutjeska. UEFA has appointed a Portuguese officiating team for the first match, led by referee Gustavo Correia. Omonia has submitted a roster of 20 players for the tie, though clubs are permitted to make up to two changes until the day before the first leg. Kairat currently holds a strong domestic position, trailing the league leader by one point, and recently defeated Atyrau 3-1. Omonia's coaching staff is focusing on neutralizing Kairat's key attacking players, including Jorginho, Edmilson, and the 18-year-old Islambek Bekbolat.