Cypriots seek Seagulls secret

Omonia aim to repeat cup upset

By Ben Collins   Last updated: 1st October 2008

Cypriots seek Seagulls secret

Robinho: Celebrates first-leg victory

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AC Omonia are aiming to emulate Brighton when they visit Manchester City in the Uefa Cup on Thursday.

The Cypriots are hoping to overturn a 2-1 deficit from the first leg and will look to Brighton's Carling Cup upset against City for inspiration.

The Seagulls knocked out Mark Hughes' men on penalties last week, a result which shocked even Omonia's Bosnian coach Nedim Dudic.

"I heard about Manchester City's defeat by Brighton," he said. "That was a big surprise. Perhaps we can learn their secret and get a similar result.

"We have one chance of causing a huge upset and we will do our best. This is football and anything can happen.

Historic

"It would be a very important victory and a historic moment for the club. It would be tremendous for everyone involved."

City's record signing Robinho was left out for the trip to Brighton so that he could attend to some domestic business in Brazil.

The former Real Madrid star was back for Sunday's 2-1 defeat at Wigan and is set to face Omonia at Eastlands, which has been hit by rain this week.

"Could he not have stayed away for another week?" quipped Dudic ahead of a training session at non-league Hyde United.

"I am a little bit concerned about the conditions but I do not believe it will be a factor in the players' performance.

"I believe in my players and what I am doing. If City give us space we will try to push and press them.

"Of course it is a difficult game for us but don't forget we created a few chances in the first leg."