The 2008–09 season (started 19 June 2008) is Anorthosis' 60th consecutive season in the Cypriot First Division. The team finished 1st in the league in the previous season so it will represent Cyprus in the Champions League. The first training session for the season took take place at the training ground at Antonis Papadopoulos Stadium on June 18, 2008.[1]
On August 27, 2008, they became the first Cypriot football club to reach the group stages of the Champions League, defeating Olympiacos of Greece in the third qualifying round.[2]
In December 2008, Andreas Panteli, the chairman of the company since 2004, resigned and he was replaced by Chris Georgiades. Manager Temuri Ketsbaia left the club by mutual consent in April 2009 and was replaced by Michalis Pamboris as caretaker.
Note: Flags indicate national team as defined under FIFA eligibility rules; some limited exceptions apply. Players may hold more than one non-FIFA nationality.
In
Note: Flags indicate national team as defined under FIFA eligibility rules; some limited exceptions apply. Players may hold more than one non-FIFA nationality.
Out
Note: Flags indicate national team as defined under FIFA eligibility rules; some limited exceptions apply. Players may hold more than one non-FIFA nationality.
In:
Note: Flags indicate national team as defined under FIFA eligibility rules; some limited exceptions apply. Players may hold more than one non-FIFA nationality.
Out:
Note: Flags indicate national team as defined under FIFA eligibility rules; some limited exceptions apply. Players may hold more than one non-FIFA nationality.
Source: cfa.com.cy(in Greek) Rules for classification: 1) points; 2) head-to-head points; 3) head-to-head goal difference; 4) head-to-head goals scored; 5) goal difference; 6) number of goals scored. Teams qualified for Group A played out one spot in the second qualifying round of the UEFA Champions League and two spots in the UEFA Europa League, one in the second and one in the first qualifying round. A spot in the third qualifying round of UEFA Europa League was awarded to the winners of the 2008–09 Cypriot Cup. Teams qualified for Group C played out one additional relegation spot. Points gained in the First round were taken over into the Second round groups. Notes:
Source: cfa.com.cy(in Greek) Rules for classification: 1) points; 2) head-to-head points; 3) head-to-head goal difference; 4) head-to-head goals scored; 5) goal difference; 6) number of goals scored. (C) Champions
Matches
Pre-season and friendlies
Anorthosis left on 25 June for Amsterdam, Netherlands, and Golden Tulip Victoria athletic centre to perform most of their pre-season training.[16] The team returned on
9 July. While in Netherlands Anorthosis played four friendly matches.
