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Cyprus’ U-17 National Football Team has made history by topping their group and securing qualification for the second phase of the European U-17 Championship. In their final group match, the young Cypriots defeated Armenia 1-0, finishing the stage undefeated with seven points, two wins, and one draw, while remarkably not conceding a single goal.
The decisive match saw Cyprus start strong. On their very first attacking opportunity, Christodoulos Marneros scored from close range after a direct free-kick from Gerasimos caused confusion for the Armenian goalkeeper. Despite Armenia gaining more possession and creating several chances, Cyprus maintained their 1-0 lead through halftime. In the second half, Cyprus came close to extending the lead, with Pieris and Dimitriou missing key opportunities in the 75th and 83rd minutes, but the result remained unchanged.
The Cyprus Football Association (CFA) congratulated the team on the victory and its unbeaten qualification. CFA President Charis Loizidis personally contacted national coach Michalis Markou, assuring him that all contributors to this success would be recognized. The Association also extended thanks to the players, technical and medical staff, and support personnel for their dedication, wishing the team continued success in the tournament’s next stage.
Along with 27 other teams advancing from this phase, Cyprus will be drawn into one of seven groups for the second stage, with group winners moving on to the final round in Estonia. The second-phase matches are scheduled for March.
Group stage results:
- 1st Matchday: Cyprus 1–0 Finland | Northern Ireland 2–1 Armenia
- 2nd Matchday: Northern Ireland 0–0 Cyprus | Finland 2–0 Armenia
- 3rd Matchday: Armenia 0–1 Cyprus | Finland 1–1 Northern Ireland
Final standings:
- Cyprus – 7 points
- Northern Ireland – 5 points
- Finland – 3 pointsArmenia – 0 points
Cyprus lineup (Coach Michalis Markou):
Theofanis Aresti, Sotiris Panagi, Andreas Dimitriou, Alexandros Geroukalys (69’ Anastasios Glafkou), Robertos Rotis (88’ Kyriakos Christodoulou), Andreas Pieris, David Gerasimos (80’ Alexandros Middleton), Antonis Konis, Christodoulos Marneros, Paraskevas Konstantinou (80’ Marios Toumbas), Petros Makkoulas (46’ Markos Theodorou)
With this performance, Cyprus not only demonstrated resilience and teamwork but also set the stage for an exciting second phase of the European U-17 Championship.
