Drawn Cypriots in Uefa Cup

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APOEL v Derry City

first leg in Cyprus

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could have been a lot worse for derry, a tougher test than it looks on paper though. hopefully they'll get all the irish over on their sun holidays out to cheer them on. unlikely though.

from www.eleven-a-side.com

FAI Cup winners Derry City will meet Cypriot side Apoel Nicosia in the qualifying round for next season’s Uefa Cup after this afternoon’s draw in Nyon, Switzerland.

Derry stood a 25% chance of landing an exceedingly difficult tie against Romanian side – and former European Cup champions – Steaua Bucharest, but instead face a slightly less daunting journey to the Mediterranean holiday island.

The first leg will take place in Cyprus, probably in Apoel’s 27,000-capacity Neo GSC Stadium, on August 14th, with the return at the Brandywell a fortnight later.

Founded in 1926, Apoel is one of the most venerable clubs on the island, as well as being one of the most successful – they have won the Cypriot title 17 times in their history.

Defending their title last season, they could only manage a third place finish, five points behind city rivals Omonia.