Cyprus national team prepares for Nations League opener against Montenegro

The Cyprus national football team has arrived in Podgorica to face Montenegro in the opening match of the UEFA Nations League, Group 2 of League C, scheduled for Friday, September 25, at 21:45. Under the guidance of head coach Akis Mantzios, the squad of 27 players completed their final preparation at the Gradski Stadium. While the team remains optimistic, they face injury concerns, most notably with defender Konstantinos Laifis, who has been training individually, while Christos Shelis did not join the delegation.

Head coach Mantzios acknowledged Montenegro as the group favorite but emphasized that his team, led by captain Grigoris Kastanos, is prepared to compete for a positive result. This match marks the beginning of an intensive period for the national team, which faces a demanding schedule of four matches in 11 days. The squad and the technical staff have expressed their commitment to building a competitive mentality as they enter this new phase of the tournament, aiming for a strong start to earn public support back home in Cyprus.