Football club OFI from Heraklion is back in the final of the Greek Cup after 35 years.
OFI back in the Greek Cup final
In a match of great significance, OFI managed to secure a 1-1 draw against Asteras Tripolis at the Genti Koule stadium (OFI had won the first leg 1:0 at Asteras Tripolis). This result ensured that the team, under the guidance of coach Milan Rastavac, advanced to the final.
Silva played a crucial role, scoring a vital goal that kept OFI’s hopes alive. His performance not only showcased his talent but also proved decisive in this high-stakes encounter.
Alongside him, Bakits demonstrated strong play, contributing to the team’s overall effort.
The culmination of this tense match marks a remarkable achievement for OFI, making them a formidable contender as they head to the final at OAKA. This significant milestone comes after years of hard work and dedication from the entire squad.
How OFI Started
Milan Rastavac set up his squad with Christogeorgos in goal. The defence included Gonthales, Silva, Lampropoulos, and Hadjitheodoridis.
In midfield, Karahalios and Androutsos played together, while Bakic took up a position behind the attacking trio of Nous, Fountas, and Salseido.
The match began with Asteras Tripolis gaining an early advantage. They found the goal they needed to level the aggregate score in the 11th minute.
Specifically, Bartolo entered Christogeorgos’ area from the left side. Just before the OFI goalkeeper could intervene, he passed the ball back to Muñoz, who placed it into the net from close range, making the score 0-1.
This quick goal unsettled OFI’s players, who became less focused and committed several errors. By the 21st minute, Asteras came close to scoring again when Bartolo got into the area and had a shot that just missed the goal.
Tensions escalated between the two benches, resulting in both teams receiving a red card for members of their technical staff. The first half ended with Asteras leading 0-1, leaving Rastavac’s team needing to pull off a strong response in the second half.
In the second half, OFI entered the pitch with renewed confidence, eager to seek the equaliser.
In the 46th minute, Fountas tried a powerful shot from outside the box, which Papadopoulos managed to catch. Shortly after, Makenda scored for Asteras, but the goal was ruled out for offside after VAR review.
Fountas had another opportunity in the 64th minute, taking a shot from inside the area; however, he sent the ball wide.
As the second half progressed, OFI dominated possession, while Asteras mainly attempted counter-attacks.
The next significant chance of the game came in the 72nd minute when Androutsos, after a determined effort, passed the ball to Sengelia, who missed from a good position.
Then, in the 79th minute, Silva broke the deadlock for OFI, securing a crucial equaliser. Following a cross from Gonzalez on the right, Silva directed a powerful header past Papadopoulos, making it 1-1. This goal ignited the enthusiasm of the supporters at “Gent Κoule.”
OFI held firm in the remainder of the match, striving to maintain the momentum they had gained from the equaliser.
OFI supporters party all night in Heraklion
The OFI football club has achieved an important milestone by securing a spot in the final of the cup competition held at the Olympic Stadium. This marks their first appearance in the final since 1990.
The team managed to draw against Asteras Tripolis with a score of 1-1 in the second leg of their match, which took place in front of a full crowd at the “Th. Vardinogiannis” stadium. Combined with their previous victory of 1-0 in the first match, the team has successfully progressed to the final.
The excitement following this significant victory was palpable. As soon as the final whistle blew, supporters of OFI poured into the streets, particularly in the heart of Heraklion.
The atmosphere was electric as fans took to the roads to celebrate this historic achievement. People embraced each other, waved flags, and sang songs in honour of their team.
The joy was not just about a match; it symbolised years of hard work and dedication from the players and the club. The community came together in a show of unity, celebrating this major accomplishment as a testament to the spirit of the team and its supporters.
The streets of Heraklion were alive with energy, and the celebration extended well into the night.
Among the various activities, fans shared their excitement through social media, posting photos and videos of the celebrations.
Many captured the vibrant scenes, showing groups gathered together, all celebrating with passion and pride. Pictures of fireworks lighting up the night sky became a frequent sight, adding to the festive spirit of the occasion.
The extent of the celebration has drawn attention, with many local news outlets covering the jubilant scenes. The fans’ enthusiasm was a clear indication of how much this moment meant to the community.
The triumph did not only signify a chance at a trophy but also reignited hopes and dreams for the future of the club.
The OFI v Olympiakos cup final
The moment for OFI has finally arrived as they prepare to compete against Olympiakos on 17 May 2025 at the OAKA stadium, a venue reminiscent of their last significant match back in 1990.
In recent years, the finals were held at Panthessaliko Stadium without any spectators, featuring teams like AEK-PAOK and Panathinaikos-Aris. This year marks a return to a live audience.
Details regarding the availability and quantity of tickets will be clarified after a meeting involving both teams, the Greek Football Federation (EPO), and local police authorities.
Expectations indicate that both finalists could each receive between 23,000 to 25,000 tickets. The final numbers will depend on discussions during the meeting and considerations related to the EPO’s commitments, such as sponsorships, and how many empty seats must be reserved for safety purposes.
It is noteworthy that during the last final that allowed fans, which took place in May 2022 at the Olympic Stadium, both finalists, PAOK and Panathinaikos, each obtained 21,478 tickets.
When the ticket count is officially decided, OFI will promptly announce how fans can access these tickets.
The anticipation for this match is significant. Fans are eager for an engaging atmosphere at the stadium following two years of restrictions on attendance at major finals. Previous experiences have shown that the atmosphere can greatly enhance the excitement of a final.
As for ticket distribution, it is crucial for fans to remain updated through official channels, including the club’s website and social media pages.
Potential Ticket Allocation
Team |
Tickets Expected |
|---|---|
OFI |
23,000 – 25,000 |
Olympiakos |
23,000 – 25,000 |
In preparing for this much-anticipated match, fans are encouraged to pay attention to updates regarding ticket sales.
As mentioned, the actual number of tickets has not yet been confirmed, and those interested should act promptly once the announcement is made.
Given the historical context, there is heightened excitement surrounding this final. Many fans may also wish to gather information regarding transportation options to ensure they arrive at the stadium without hassle.
Safety Measures
Ensuring the safety of spectators is paramount. This year’s event will likely impose certain measures, aligning with previous practices seen in past finals.
These might include monitoring crowd sizes, and ensuring that adequate space is available between attendees.
The Greek Football Federation typically evaluates these plans based on ongoing safety assessments. Fans can expect a well-organised and secure environment during the match, reflecting the importance of ensuring everyone’s wellbeing.
Furthermore, it is essential for individuals looking to attend the final to familiarise themselves with the venue’s regulations. Understanding the entry rules will assist in a smoother experience come match day.
Ticket Purchase Tips
- Stay informed through official announcements.
- Prepare for potential online or physical sales.
- Act quickly once tickets are released.
Key Dates
- Final Match: 17 May
- Ticket Announcement Date: To be determined after the meeting.
As the final approaches, it is clear that both OFI and Olympiakos have much to play for. The stakes are high, and fans will play a vital role in shaping the atmosphere of the event.
Fans will need to stay alert for further updates, particularly regarding ticketing procedures. The upcoming discussions are crucial and will set the tone for the final.
The journey to securing a place among the crowd starts now, and supporters should be prepared for an unforgettable experience.
