Zaon Kifisia 3-0 Rabotnicki in CEV Challenge Cup opener
Zaon Kifisia won 3-0 in the CEV Challenge Cup opener; Rabotnicki must overturn the deficit in next week’s return in Skopje.
Zaon Kifisia secured a straight-sets victory over Rabotnicki in the opening leg of the CEV Challenge Cup 1/16-finals, winning 3-0 (25-17, 25-15, 25-17) on October 27, 2026. The match, played in Greece, lasted 76 minutes and gave the hosts a clear advantage ahead of the return tie.
Hosts control the net, visitors fight but fall short
Zaon Kifisia imposed its rhythm largely through a more effective attack and closed out each set with a comfortable margin. Rabotnicki remained competitive throughout and answered in several rallies, but could not convert enough scoring opportunities to take a set.
Rabotnicki's top scorer was Karia Trifunovska with eight points, followed by Tamara Atanasova with seven. For Zaon Kifisia, Elpida Tikmanidu finished with 14 points while Feroniki Zioga added 13.
The Greek side’s superior hitting efficiency proved decisive as they outscored Rabotnicki across all three sets. Coaches on both sides will now prepare for the second leg, scheduled for next week in Skopje, where Rabotnicki must overturn the deficit to advance.
The first leg result leaves Zaon Kifisia in a favourable position, but the tie remains open until the return match in Skopje.
Photo: press material from the event
