A Frustrating First Half, Then a Quick Start After the Break
Aris had chances to settle this long before it actually got settled. Rafa Mir thought he’d scored in the 36th minute — ruled out for offside, contested call, and the visitors went into the break still hunting a breakthrough. Anagennisi Karditsa, newly promoted to Super League 2, defended their box well the whole first half. Gave Aris almost nothing in open play. Closed down space, forced the visitors into pot-shots from distance.
Different story after the break. Aris came out with real intent, and it paid off fast. 49th minute, Benjamin Garré’s shot gets parried by Theodoropoulos, Noah Fantiga reacts quickest to the rebound — takes two tries, but gets it in. First official goal in Aris colours. Scrappy way to score, sure, but it settled the visitors into control.
Anastopoulos Turns It Into His Own Net
Anagennisi had one more real chance after that — Fabiano somehow blazed over from close range in the 56th minute off a good headed knockdown from Mir, ball eventually cleared for a corner. Turned out to be their best moment of the whole second half. 67th minute, Garré cuts inside from the left, whips a cross toward Mir. Mir never touches it. Anastopoulos, trying to clear, turns it into his own net instead. 2-0.
Aris were never really troubled after that. Managed the closing stages comfortably at Nea Efkarpia, no real alarm, and Anagennisi never threatened anything close to a comeback.
What It Means Next
Perfect start to the new season for Aris — straight into the League Phase of the Greek Cup in their very first official match, on top of decent pre-season form too (wins over Panthrakikos, a draw with Panserraikos, one heavy 6-2 loss to Napoli in a warm-up along the way). For Anagennisi Karditsa, respectable enough exit against top-flight opposition. They gave Aris a real game for an hour. Now it’s back to focusing fully on Super League 2.
Match Summary
Anagennisi Karditsa 0-2 Aris Greek Cup, Qualification Round — Nea Efkarpia, Karditsa, Greece Monday, 17 August 2026
Goals: 49′ Noah Fantiga (Aris) 0-1 67′ Anastopoulos (Anagennisi Karditsa) 0-2 (own goal)
Result: Aris beat Anagennisi Karditsa 2-0 to progress to the League Phase of the Greek Cup, opening their new season with a win.
For live Greek Cup scores and match coverage, visit fawanews. Full results and bracket at the official Greek Cup website.
