Omonia eliminated from Champions League by Kairat Almaty

Omonia Nicosia was eliminated from the second qualifying round of the UEFA Champions League on July 29, 2026, after losing 6-5 on penalties to Kairat Almaty. The match in Kazakhstan ended 1-0 in favor of the hosts following extra time, matching the aggregate score from the first leg in Nicosia. Omonia faced significant challenges throughout the game, playing with ten men from the 25th minute after a straight red card for Andronikos Kakoulli and being reduced to nine players in the 111th minute following a second yellow card for Senou Coulibaly. Despite the defensive pressure, goalkeeper Fabiano made several crucial saves to keep the team competitive until the shootout.

Following the defeat, the Cypriot side now drops into the UEFA Europa League qualifiers. Omonia is scheduled to face Lincoln Red Imps of Gibraltar in the third qualifying round. The first leg will take place in Gibraltar on August 6, 2026, with the return leg at the GSP Stadium in Nicosia on August 13, 2026. Coach Henning Berg expressed disappointment regarding the disciplinary issues but emphasized that the team will focus on maintaining their European journey.