JERUSALEM, Nov. 20 (Xinhua) -- Cyprus achieved a surprising 3-2 away win over Israel in a friendly match played at HaMoshava Stadium in the central city of Petah Tikva on Sunday evening.
Cyprus started strongly and scored after just two minutes with a cross by Minas Antoniou and a slight touch by Charalampos Charalampous, making it 1-0.
Israeli goalkeeper Daniel Peretz prevented a quick second goal in the fourth minute, after a shot by Grigoris Kastanos, but the score was doubled in the 24th minute by Ioannis Pittas, after an accurate pass by Charalampos Kyriakou.
Israel equalized within a minute, with goals by Oscar Gloukh and Tai Baribo, making it 2-2 in the 67th minute.
However, Cyprus had the last word, with an impressive goal by Michalis Ioannou on an 18-meter shot in the 82nd minute.
Israel and Cyprus will kick off their UEFA Euro 2024 qualifying journey on March 25, with Israel hosting Kosovo, while the Cypriots playing in Scotland. ■
