AEK Larnaca advances to the cup second round amid significant internal concern

AEK Larnaca secured a narrow 3-2 victory against second-division side Akritas Chlorakas in the first round of the Cyprus Cup on October 21, 2026. The match, which required extra time, saw AEK win through three successful penalties, including one by Milicevic in the 102nd minute. Despite the progression, the club leadership, including spokesperson Kyriakos Dimitriou and coach Ruben Selles, publicly apologized to fans, labeling the team's performance as inexcusable and deeply concerning.

Adding to the team's woes, Andereggen was shown a straight red card for a foul on Dramé and will miss the upcoming league fixtures against Omonia and Krasava ENY. The squad also faces medical uncertainties, with Ivanovic questionable due to illness, while Pileas and Kohler are expected to return for the high-stakes league derby against Omonia on October 26. The match holds psychological weight for AEK, as they look to break a winless streak against the Nicosia side at the AEK Arena dating back to April 2024.