SL2 23/24: Athens Kallithea 0-0 Panachaiki

Despite dominating possession and creating a host of clear-cut chances, AKFC could not find a breakthrough and were forced to settle for just one point from a scoreless draw against visitors Panachaiki in the opening match of the 2023/24 Super League 2 season.

AKFC did put the ball in the net in the first half, when Demethryus threaded a pass into Kynigopoulos who beat the ‘keeper from close range, but the linesman flagged the play for offside, though replays would show it to be an incorrect call.

Among several other major first-half chances, Damián Silva missed the target from inside the box, and Javier Matilla and Giannis Loukinas had shots stopped by ‘keeper Andreas Kolovouris.

As pressure mounted, AKFC won a penalty in the 44th minute when Thierry Mouthinho was tripped up in the box, but Matilla would see his spot kick spectacularly saved by Kolovouris.

Panachaiki would not register a shot on goal in the match, and by the second half had parked the bus to get themselves a point. After Demethryus and Moutinho missed the target with good looks at goal, AKFC found it increasingly difficult to carve through the compact defense.

Andreas Vasilogiannis provided a spark off the bench, and went close to scoring in the 89th minute with a snap header to the top corner, but Kolovouris was there to make yet another save and secure a point for the Patra side.

Athens Kallithea (4-2-3-1): Kotsaris, Manthatis, Romao, Mejías, Kainourgios, Matilla, Silva (81’ Ioannidis), Kynigopoulos (69’ Vasilogiannis), Moutinho, Demethryus, Loukinas