Greek Cup 25/26: Panathinaikos 1-0 Athens Kallithea

In their first of four matches in the league phase of the 25/26 Greek Cup, AKFC visited Panathinaikos at Apostolos Nikolaidis Stadium on Wednesday afternoon, and, despite a hard-fought performance with several chances to score, the hosts would prevail, 1-0, on a first-half goal from Cyriel Dessers.

AKFC made a bright start and had two major chances to jump out to an early lead. In the fourth minute, Frixos Grivas burst in behind the defense and drove a shot towards the far post that was denied by Nantes loanee Alban Lafont. In the 13th minute, some good combination play down the left side ultimately put veteran full-back Makis Pavlakis all alone in front of goal, but the ball bounced on him and his shot sailed over the bar.

Just two minute later, Panathinaikos responded with their own threat, but ‘keeper Gian Marco Crespi made a confident save on Anass Zaroury, and the follow-up shot went off the post.

But the Greens would find the breakthrough in the 30th minute, when Brazilian winger Tetê went one of his trademark mazy runs down the right side to set up an easy finish for the Glasgow Rangers import Dessers.

Early into the second half, AKFC would create a glorious chance for an equalizer, when Alex Satarino played a brilliant ball over the top for Alexis Golfinos who raced in on goal, but Lafont charged off his line to cut down the angle and came up with a massive save.

It would be AKFC’s last clear-cut opportunity, while Crespi would make two more excellent saves in the final 10 minutes to hold the score at 1-0 and close out a sparkling debut for the 24-year-old Italian 'keeper.

AKFC will resume play in the Greek Cup when they host OFI Crete at Grigoris Lamprakis Stadium on Wednesday 24 September at 15:00 local time.

Athens Kallithea (4-2-3-1): Crespi, Panagou, Matyjewicz, Pasalidis, Pavlakis, Krimitzas (78’ Zografakis), Satariano (64’ Metaxas), Grivas (46’ Ormenai 69’ Vasilogiannis), Golfinos, Mavrias (46’ Sardelis), Cantillo