Know Your Minnows - Anorthosis Famagusta FC
By: Ian Rose | August 2nd, 2007
God, I love that name.
This week’s ‘Know Your Minnows’ segment is all about Anorthosis Famagusta FC of Cyprus. As a football fan with a scientific background, how could I not have a special place in my heart for a club whose name sounds so much like a latin scientific name? But Anorthosis is more than just a great name.
AFFC is one of the most storied clubs in Cyprus, with a total of 63 matches in European competition. I was introduced to them in 2005 when they faced Rangers in the third qualifying round of the Champions League. They lost that tie, but even reaching that point was an accomplishment. To get there, they had registered perhaps the biggest win in their history, a 3-2 aggregate victory over Turkish side Trabzonspor. In all competitions, their European record is 15 wins, 10 draws, and 38 losses, which isn’t bad considering that Cyprus is the 41st-ranked of UEFA’s 53 member leagues.
Over the years, Anorthosis has had a number of memorable players, particularly strikers. Former Real Mallorca and Nigerian international team striker Micheal Obiku scored 33 goals in 69 appearances for the side. Former Crystal Palace, West Ham, and Sunderland forward Dave Swindlehurst also played here, however briefly, and Mario Jardel scored 3 goals in 7 matches for the club after an impressive career at Gremio and Porto.
AFFC plays today in the second leg of their UEFA Cup first qualifying round against Vardar Skopje of Macedonia. The first leg was a 1-0 away win for the Cypriots and they should be able to hold on at home and move into the next round, where bigger opponents await.
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Tags: Anorthosis Famagusta FC, Cypriot First Division, Cyprus, Europe, Know Your Minnows, Tournament News, UEFA CupSubscribe
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Comments
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hello am a fan of anorthosis and i have to agree with that you said but we lost from rangers beucase of the referee!!!!!!he was terrible!!!!
we won this match with vardar 1-0 and today again the same score and we wait for tomorrow to see our next opponent…..
visit the sites and be a member please
http://www.anofc.com
http://www.anorthosisfc.comregards…..
Posted from
Cyprus
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After the invasion of Cyprus by Turkey (July 1974), Anorthosis Famagusta became a refugee club. Now it is temporarly based in “Antonis Papadopoulos” Stadium (which has a capacity of 9,319 seats). The “Blues” home ground is G.S.E (Gymnastic Club Evagoras in English) which is now abandoned and in very bad condition.
Club’s honours:
Cypriot League Champions (12): 1950, 1957, 1958, 1960, 1962, 1963,1995, 1997, 1998, 1999, 2000, 2005.Cypriot Cup Winners (10): 1949, 1959, 1962, 1964, 1971, 1975, 1998, 2002, 2003, 2007
Super Cup Shields (6): 1962, 1964, 1995, 1997, 1999, 2000.
Posted from
Cyprus -
Thank you for your great words. Anorthosis won also yesterday with the same score 1-0 with a grat appearance which means that we could score even more goals. We hope to see you in cyprus for our next game with Cluj from Romania. Thank you Ian. Hope you have lovely holidays.
Posted from
Cyprus -
FORHA ANORTHOSARA OEOE OEOEOEO !!!!
Posted from
Cyprus -
Dear Ian , your article is yet , another reason for us to be proud about Anorthosis .
Posted from
Germany -
Nice site and article, however i feel Tottenham may be too strong for you
Posted from
United Kingdom -
What are the chances of being able to get tickets locally for the Tottenham game. With a 10,000 maximum capacity presumably the match will be a sell out? Or will it?
Posted from
Spain -
That’ll be a tough one unless you’re a Spurs supporter and can get in on their allocation. I don’t think you’ll make it in as a neutral.
Posted from
United Kingdom -
wiil it be possible to get tickets, from the Anorthosis ground on famagusta
Posted from
Turkey -
I am a spurs supporter who will be in Cyprus when the spurs game is on against Anorthosis. Spurs are only selling tickets to season tickets holders so does anyone know how I can buy tickets in advance from Cyprus
Posted from
United States -
I had the privilege of visiting both Greek and Turkish Cyprus, including Famagusta, in the early 2000’s before travel restrictions for Cypriots were relaxed. I was struck by the tragedy of the civil war and the scars that still remain, but I was also impressed with how Cypriots were trying to reconcile and move on.
I am a Spurs fan who will be at White Hart Lane on Thursday so will be rooting for a Spurs win. I have some time in London before the game so was wondering where is the “Cypriot quarter” in London. Would like to stock up on some coffee:-) Would be great to meet Famagusta fans as well before the game.
Posted from
United Kingdom -
Dear Conrad just for the records..it wasnt a civil war..it was a turkish attack in Cyprus. sorry for correcting you but as a refugee.. i feel i should.it will be a great game all though we dont have any chances. Though you never know:)
Peter, i dont think u’ll be able to buy any tickets from Cyprus.Posted from
Cyprus -
As a Scottish Spurs supporter living in North London and having lived in Famagusta when my local team was Anorthosis, I am looking forward to a good friendly match. I am sure there will be a lot of support for Anorthosis here.
Good luck all!Posted from
United States -
einai telia i ano i galanolefki
Posted from
Cyprus
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