Cypriot Super Cup boost for APOEL

Cypriot champions APOEL FC warmed up for the first leg of their UEFA Europa League play-off encounter against SV Zulte Waregem with a 1-0 victory over Apollon Limassol FC in the Cypriot Super Cup on Saturday.

The only goal of the encounter at Nicosia's GSP Stadium was scored by Mário Sérgio, whose powerful strike from outside the area deflected off an Apollon defender and flew past goalkeeper Bruno Vale. The Cypriot title holders, who were eliminated from the UEFA Champions League third qualifying round by NK Maribor earlier this month, missed further chances to increase their lead through Cillian Sheridan and Gustavo Manduca. At the other end, Gastón Sangoy had two efforts well saved by Urko Pardo.

Paulo Sergio's APOEL will next take on UEFA Europa League opponents Zulte Waregem in Belgium on Thursday on the same night that Cypriot Cup holders Apollon welcome OGC Nice in the first leg in Nicosia.