AEK Larnaca continued their impressive start to the Cypriot First Division season with a commanding 4-1 victory over Nea Salamis at the Ammochostos Stadium on September 7, 2026. The away side’s superior quality proved too much for a Nea Salamis team that fought bravely but lacked precision in the final third.

Match Overview

The match began at a high tempo, with Nea Salamis eager to press their visiting counterparts. However, AEK Larnaca’s experience and technical quality soon began to tell. Their patient build-up and clever movement off the ball created gaps in the home defense, enabling them to take a firm grip of the game in the first half. A late consolation goal for Nea Salamis added some respectability to the scoreline, but the final result was never in doubt.

Key Moments

• 14th minute – Goal AEK: The visitors opened the scoring through a well-rehearsed set-piece routine. Ivan Tričkovski rose highest at the back post to head in a corner kick.
• 29th minute – Goal AEK: A flowing move down the left saw midfield maestro Farès Bahlouli release winger Rafael Lopes, who cut inside and fired low into the bottom corner.
• 38th minute – Goal Nea Salamis: The hosts pulled one back just before halftime with a stunning direct strike from outside the box by Andreas Makris, giving the home crowd hope.
• 49th minute – Goal AEK: That hope was short-lived. Within minutes of the restart, Tričkovski scored his second of the afternoon, tapping in from close range after a rebound was spilled by the keeper.
• 77th minute – Goal AEK: Substitute Imad Faraj sealed the victory with a curling effort into the top corner from an acute angle, capping a clinical counter-attack.

Tactical Story

AEK Larnaca controlled the midfield through the experienced pairing of Bahlouli and Angelos Angeloudis, who were able to dictate the rhythm of the game. Their positional rotations with the wide forwards created a 3-v-2 overload in central areas, frequently freeing Bahlouli between the lines. Whenever Nea Salamis attempted to press, AEK bypassed the pressure with quick vertical passes to Tričkovski, who served as an effective target man.

Nea Salamis, under coach Savvas Poursaitidis, tried to implement a high-pressing game but struggled to sustain it. Their midfield was overrun in transition, and their defensive line was often caught square against AEK’s direct runners. Despite their goal coming from a moment of individual brilliance, the home side lacked the cohesive approach needed to trouble an organized AEK backline.

Standout Players

• Ivan Tričkovski (AEK): Scored twice and led the attacking line with his typical aggression and intelligence. A constant threat from crosses and set pieces.
• Farès Bahlouli (AEK): Registered an assist and controlled the game with his passing. His vision unlocked Nea Salamis' defense time and again.
• Andreas Makris (Nea Salamis): Scored a superb goal and was his team’s liveliest attacker. Despite the defeat, he showed quality reminiscent of his earlier days at the club.
• Rafael Lopes (AEK): Electrifying on the right wing, his pace forced the home defenders into constant retreats. His goal was the pick of the bunch in the first half.

Season and Table Impact

The win keeps AEK Larnaca firmly in the upper echelons of the Cypriot First Division, maintaining their unbeaten start to the new campaign. They now sit within touch of league leaders APOEL, though they have played a game more. The team’s attacking fluidity has been a notable feature under their current coach, and Tričkovski’s early-season scoring form has lifted the burden from the younger players in the squad.

For Nea Salamis, the defeat marks their second straight loss and heaps pressure on a side expected to compete for a midtable finish. They have shown resilience in moments but need to tighten up defensively, especially when facing teams that prioritize possession. Matches against direct rivals will likely decide their fate this season, and those fixtures now carry added weight.