Former Star Temuri Makes Euro History

FORMER Newcastle United star Temuri Ketsbaia has marked the anniversary of his “Glory in Zagreb” goal by becoming the first manager to lead a Cypriot side to the group stages of the Champions League.

It was 11 years ago to the day (August 27) that Ketsbaia struck in dramatic fashion in the last minute of extra time against Croatia Zagreb to take Kenny Dalglish’s Magpies to the group stage of Europe’s premier competition for the first time in the club’s history.

With the aggregate score at 3-3 and the game heading for a penalty shootout, the Georgian received a pass from strike partner Tino Asprilla before firing low past keeper Darzen Ladic to spark mass celebration in the United dugout and among the 500 members of the Toon Army inside the Maksimir Stadium.

And now, with Ketsbaia having taken over the reins Anorthosis Famagusta in 2004, the 40-year-old has once again made history with his side springing a major upset by beating Greek giants Olympiacos in the final qualifying round for the Champions League.

Leading 3-0 from the first leg, Temuri’s men managed to weather an early Olympiacos onslaught and the deadlock was not broken until eight minutes after the break.

However, the Greeks could not find another and Famagusta held on to record a 3-1 aggregate success.

“We are delighted. It’s an amazing result,” said Ketsbaia who was mobbed by his players on the full-time whistle.

“We knew it would be difficult because Olympiacos are a great team, they have been in the Champions League for the last 12 years. But we came here and we held on and deserved to go through.”

Qualification has been estimated to be worth as much as 25 million euros to the Famagusta side and they are now set to be paired against several of Europe’s elite clubs at Thursday’s group draw in Switzerland.