Historic evening in Nicosia

By John Leonidou

Tonight's UEFA Champions League second qualifying round tie between Anorthosis Famagusta FC and Trabzonspor will see a Cypriot side take on Turkish opponents for the first time. It is also regarded by many as a historic opportunity to heal old wounds on the island.

Turbulent relationship
Turkey and Cyprus have long had a turbulent relationship, especially since Turkish forces invaded Cyprus in 1974, seizing 37 per cent of the island and effectively splitting it in two, with Turkish Cypriots in the north and Greek Cypriots in the south.

Refugee club
Anorthosis felt partition worse than most clubs. Their home in Famagusta is now part of Turkish Cyprus, and they were forced to abandon the GSE stadium after the invasion, setting up new roots as a so-called 'refugee club' at their new Antonis Papadopoulos stadium in Larnaca, although tonight's match will be played at the GSP stadium in Nicosia.

Historic game
None the less, Anorthosis chairman Andreas Pantelis was looking forward to welcoming his Turkish guests. "This is a historic game not only for Anorthosis but for Cypriot football and Cyprus in general," he told uefa.com. "It is a football match and we aim to represent our island in the best possible way.

'Something unique'
"The fact a Cypriot side will travel to Turkey for a football match is something unique," he continued, although he may have spoken for many Anorthosis fans when he added of the second leg: "It's difficult to describe exactly how I feel about this trip because of the many problems between the two nations."

APOEL decision
A Turkish team were due to take on Cypriot opponents in the 1986/87 European Champion Clubs' Cup when Besiktas JK were drawn against APOEL FC, but after UEFA refused a request to play both games on neutral territory, APOEL refused to visit Istanbul for the away match and earned a two-year ban from European competition.

Warm welcome
However, Trabzonspor coach Senol Günes has noted no great tension in the run-up to tonight's encounter. "We were welcomed here very warmly," he said. "The only problem was we had to come via Athens and that tired us a bit. We are aiming for the Champions League group stage so a win today is a must for us."

High security
Despite the friendly atmosphere, Anorthosis were wary that feelings might be running high and security will be taken seriously. Stadium manager Fivos Constantinides said: "I am confident things will go smoothly, provided people behave themselves and listen to instructions, either from police officials or stadium stewards."

Communities united
Meanwhile, fans are looking forward to the game. Osman Cakan, a 54-year-old Turkish-Cypriot, last saw Anorthosis back in 1973 and was looking forward to getting reacquainted with the side he used to follow. "Before 1974, I would often go and see Anorthosis play in Famagusta," he said. "This time I will have my two sons with me. I am sure the game will be a celebration of peace and prove that the two communities can finally live side-by-side."

Big match
Trabzonspor supporter Nermin Pasa added: "I am very much looking forward to this game because it is very rare for Turkish Cypriots to watch such high-profile matches on the island."

'Moving on'
"I think the fact a Turkish side has agreed to fly to the island and play a football match here is a clear sign that both nations are moving on," concluded Anorthosis fan Marios Chrysanthou. "It also goes to show how football can bring two communities together."

Additional reporting by Türker Tozar