Francis Uzoho delivered a Man of the Match performance, making six outstanding saves to help Omonia Nicosia secure a 1-0 away victory over SK Rapid Wien at the Allianz Stadion in their UEFA Europa Conference League Matchday 5 clash on Thursday.
Manager Henning Berg maintained his goalkeeping rotation policy, handing Uzoho his fourth consecutive start in the competition ahead of Fabiano Freitas. The Nigerian international once again justified that decision with a commanding display.
Angelos Neofytou gave Omonia the lead in the 19th minute, and the goal ultimately proved decisive. Rapid Wien created several clear-cut chances in search of an equaliser, but Omonia’s resolute defending, backed by Uzoho’s brilliance, kept the hosts at bay.
Rapid Wien, now the only team to lose all their games in the competition, slumped to their fifth consecutive defeat and were officially eliminated.
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The hosts registered 17 shots, seven on target, with Uzoho making six saves to preserve the clean sheet. Five efforts went off target, while another five were blocked by Omonia’s defenders. Ten of Rapid’s attempts came from inside the box and seven from outside.
Despite Rapid tallying 31 touches in the opposition box compared to Omonia’s eight, the visitors held firm, producing 31 clearances and 22 interceptions.
Uzoho was booked in the 58th minute for time-wasting, but that did little to dent an otherwise superb outing. The clean sheet is his second in a row in the Conference League.
The victory, Omonia’s second of the campaign, lifts them to 15th in the overall standings and secures a spot in the Round of 16 playoff phase.
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