APOEL Nicosia earned a creditable 1-1 with Dutch champions Ajax in their Champions League Group F encounter this evening.
© Getty Images
Ajax dominated the first half, with Icelandic striker Kolbeinn Sigthorsson wasting two early chances after good work down the right from Davy Klaassen.
Frank de Boer's side did take the lead through Lucas Andersen on 28 minutes after APOEL goalkeeper Urko Pardo could only push Lasse Schone's effort into the path of the Danish winger, who side-footed home to put Ajax ahead.
However, their lead lasted only four minutes as Gustavo Manduca levelled the tie from the penalty spot after Ajax defender Ricardo van Rhijn was ruled to have handled in the box.
Ajax started the second half strongly and felt they should have had a penalty of their own on 52 minutes as Thulani Serero went down under the challenge of Carlao, but the referee waved away their appeals.
APOEL gave Ajax a shock two minutes later when Manduca's cross found the head of Cillian Sheridan, but the Irish striker could only direct the ball wide of Jasper Cillessen's post.
© Getty Images
The lively Manduca found Mario Sergio on the edge of the Ajax box on 70 minutes, but the defender's fierce effort was well saved by Cillessen.
Seconds later Sigthorsson outfought Carlao in the APOEL box, but could only lash his close-range effort straight at Pardo.
Sigthorsson had a final chance to win the tie for the visitors when substitute Ricardo Kishna crossed for the striker, but he could only send his effort wide of goal.
Joe Sharratt
