Young Ghanaian Midfielder Shines Bright in High-Stakes Cypriot First Division Clash

In a gripping battle for supremacy in the Cypriot First Division, 20-year-old Alex Opoku Sarfo delivered a masterclass performance as Aris Limassol secured a crucial 1-0 victory over Pafos FC on Saturday night. The win at the Alphamega Stadium propelled Aris to the top of the league standings, tied on 43 points with Pafos but leading on head-to-head records.

Sarfo, a Ghanaian youth international and former Benab FC standout, dominated the midfield during his 84 minutes on the pitch. With his relentless energy, sharp passing, and aggressive defensive work, he kept Pafos under constant pressure, dictating the game’s tempo and nullifying their attacking threats.

The decisive moment came in the 63rd minute when Serbian playmaker Veljko Nikolic found the back of the net, sealing the win for Aris. Recognizing the importance of preserving Sarfo for future challenges, coach Aleksey Shpilevsky substituted him in the 84th minute, replacing him with Polish international Milosz Matysik to avoid a potential second booking.

Sarfo’s rise in European football has not gone unnoticed. Recently ranked among the world’s best U-21 holding midfielders by the CIES Football Observatory, the youngster continues to impress with his composure and tactical intelligence on the field.

As Aris Limassol sets its sights on the league title, Sarfo’s influence in midfield will be critical in maintaining their momentum.