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

Pafos FC played to a 1-1 draw against Dinamo City at the Elbasan Arena in Albania on August 20, 2026, during the first leg of their UEFA Conference League playoff tie. Despite controlling the majority of the first half, the Cypriot side failed to capitalize on their dominance, including a missed penalty by David Luiz in the 38th minute following a handball by Ismaili.

The second half saw the hosts increase their pressure, with Fadairo opening the scoring for Dinamo City in the 79th minute. Pafos responded quickly when Lele converted a penalty in the 83rd minute to level the score. A late effort from Correia in the 90th minute struck the woodwork, preventing a late comeback victory. The match was briefly jeopardized by a broadcasting dispute between Cytavision and Albanian producers, which was resolved just before kickoff.

Looking ahead, the two teams will face off in the return leg scheduled for August 27, 2026, at the Alphamega Stadium in Cyprus. The outcome remains open, with the aggregate winner securing a place in the league phase of the competition.