Pafos FC draws 1-1 with Dinamo City in Conference League play-off first leg

On August 20, 2026, Pafos FC played a 1-1 draw against Dinamo City at the Elbasan Arena in Albania during the first leg of their UEFA Conference League play-off tie. Despite controlling much of the match and creating numerous scoring opportunities, including a missed penalty by David Luiz in the 37th minute, the Cypriot champions were unable to secure a victory. Lele eventually scored the equalizer for Pafos in the 85th minute after the hosts had taken the lead through Fadairo in the 78th minute. The match also featured a disallowed goal for Pafos, which head coach Ricardo Sa Pinto claimed was an unjust decision.

Following the game, Dinamo City coach Ilir Daja criticized Sa Pinto’s behavior on the sidelines, while the Cypriot side returned home to prepare for the return leg. Defender David Luiz suffered a muscle injury during the first half and is undergoing medical evaluation. The tie remains finely balanced, with Pafos FC holding the advantage of playing the decisive second leg at the Alphamega Stadium in Limassol on August 27, 2026. The Cypriot team aims to secure a win on home soil to advance to the league phase of the competition for the third consecutive time.