Chérif Ndiaye fires PAOK Thessaloniki to impressive Greek Cup Victory over AEK Athens

Chérif Ndiaye scored late as PAOK Thessaloniki secured an impressive 3-1 victory over AEK Athens in the Greek Cup league phase at the Toumba Stadium on Wednesday.

The Senegalese striker struck in the 79th minute to complete PAOK’s victory after Simon Banza and Shola Shoretire had also found the net for the home side.

Despite AEK managing a late consolation goal, PAOK maintained their advantage to claim an important result in the competition.

The victory provides a significant boost for PAOK as they pursue a place among the top four teams in the group-stage standings.

Their attacking performance proved decisive against an AEK side that struggled to contain the hosts throughout the encounter.

Ndiaye seals PAOK victory with late goal

PAOK delivered an effective attacking display in front of their home supporters, using their opportunities to establish control of the match against their Greek rivals.

Banza and Shoretire contributed to the hosts’ scoring before Ndiaye made his mark in the closing stages.

The Senegal international, formerly of Red Star Belgrade, scored in the 79th minute to extend PAOK’s advantage to 3-1 and put his side in a strong position to secure the win.

His goal proved particularly important as PAOK sought to protect their lead and avoid allowing AEK back into the contest.

AEK managed to score a late goal, reducing the deficit, but the visitors could not complete a comeback.

PAOK held firm until the final whistle to secure all-important progress in their Greek Cup campaign.

PAOK’s attacking strength makes the difference

The result reflected PAOK’s ability to convert their attacking opportunities into goals, with three different contributors helping the team overcome AEK.

The hosts combined their attacking threat with the composure needed to preserve their advantage when the visitors attempted to respond.

Ndiaye’s late strike gave them further breathing space before AEK’s consolation goal added tension to the closing moments.

For the Senegalese forward, finding the net in such an important fixture offered a valuable contribution to his team’s performance.

His goal ensured that PAOK finished the match with a two-goal advantage, despite conceding late on.

The victory also highlighted the importance of PAOK’s collective effort, with Banza, Shoretire and Ndiaye all playing a role in the outcome.

Greek Cup race gathers importance

PAOK’s 3-1 win over AEK Athens strengthens their position as they look to reach the qualifying places reserved for the top four teams in the group stage.

With the competition still providing opportunities for teams to improve their standings, the result gives PAOK encouragement as they continue their pursuit of qualification.

Their performance against AEK will be particularly encouraging because of the effectiveness shown in front of goal.

Scoring three times against a major domestic opponent allowed the Thessaloniki side to secure a valuable victory and maintain momentum in the cup competition.

Ndiaye’s contribution was central to the final scoreline, with his 79th-minute goal helping PAOK establish the advantage they needed to withstand AEK’s late response.

PAOK will now look to build on the result as the battle for a place among the group stage’s top four continues.

For Ndiaye and his team-mates, Wednesday’s performance provided a strong platform for the next stage of their Greek Cup campaign.