Cyprus Super Cup

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Wikipedia - Cypriot Super Cup

The Cypriot Super Cup is a Cypriot football trophy, contested in an annual match between the previous season's Cypriot First Division champions, and the Cypriot Cup winners. The match is contested at the beginning of the football season, and is usually played at the GSP Stadium in Nicosia. The most successful team in the competition are Omonia, who have won the trophy on 17 occasions.

The current holders are Aris Limassol, who defeated Omonia 2–0 in the 2023 match.

History

The first match was played in 1951, under the name Pakkos Shield (Greek: Ασπίδα Πάκκου). At the time, the trophy was not awarded to the winner of the match, but would instead be awarded to the overall most successful team in the competition, after 10 matches. The Shield was finally awarded for the first time in 1967, to Çetinkaya, who were the first club to win the trophy three times. At the time, if the league champions and the Cup winners were the same team, they were automatically named winners of the Shield.[]

Due to different circumstances, the competition wasn't held for 10 years, and returned in 1979 under the name Stylianakis Shield, in honor of the former president of the Cyprus Football Association. This name remained for 10 years, after which the Shield was awarded to Omonia, who won the trophy seven times in this time period.[]

The competition was renamed as Cyprus Football Association Shield in 1989. From 2008 until 2013, the competition was held under the name LTV Super Cup, for sponsorship reasons. Since LTV's withdrawal as the competition's sponsor in 2014, the competition is simply called the Super Cup.

The Cyprus Super Cup is an annual soccer tournament held in Cyprus, showcasing the best teams from the country's top professional leagues. This prestigious competition serves as the official curtain-raiser for the new season, pitting the reigning champions of the Cypriot First Division against the winners of the Cypriot Cup.

The tournament takes place in a vibrant and electric atmosphere, attracting passionate soccer fans from all over Cyprus. It is held at various stadiums across the country, providing an opportunity for different regions to host this thrilling event. The matches are played on meticulously maintained pitches, ensuring optimal playing conditions for the participating teams.

The Cyprus Super Cup brings together the most talented and skilled players in Cyprus, creating an intense and highly competitive environment. The teams showcase their tactical prowess, technical abilities, and teamwork as they battle it out for the coveted trophy. The matches are filled with thrilling moments, breathtaking goals, and nail-biting finishes, keeping spectators on the edge of their seats throughout the tournament.

The tournament not only showcases the best of Cypriot soccer but also serves as a platform for players to catch the attention of scouts and potentially secure transfers to bigger clubs. It is a stage where emerging talents can shine and established stars can further solidify their reputation.

The Cyprus Super Cup is not only a celebration of soccer but also a cultural event that brings communities together. Fans from different clubs come together to support their teams, creating an electric atmosphere with chants, flags, and colorful displays. The tournament fosters a sense of unity and pride among Cypriot soccer enthusiasts, reinforcing the importance of the sport in the country's culture.

Overall, the Cyprus Super Cup is a thrilling and highly anticipated soccer tournament that showcases the best of Cypriot soccer talent. It combines skill, passion, and excitement, providing an unforgettable experience for both players and fans alike.