Armenia Draw with Cyprus in Nations League as Gharibyan Cancels Out Pikis' Goal

The Armenia national football team played out a 1-1 draw against Cyprus in the fifth round of Group C2 of the 2026/27 UEFA Nations League. The match took place on November 12 at the Vazgen Sargsyan Republican Stadium in Yerevan.

Yeghishe Melikyan's side conceded an early goal but managed to equalize in the second half through Artur Gharibyan. Despite enjoying the upper hand and creating several dangerous chances, Armenia were unable to secure a victory.

Armenia vs Cyprus 1-1: Goals and Key Moments

Armenia started the match brightly and managed to put the ball in the net as early as the seventh minute. Narek Grigoryan found the target, but his goal was ruled out for offside.

Shortly afterward, Cyprus took the lead. In the ninth minute, Yasonas Pikis, a forward for Yerevan-based Pyunik, scored on his debut for the Cyprus national team.

After the 25th minute, Armenia took control of the game and began creating regular opportunities in front of the visitors' goal. Narek Grigoryan had a good chance to equalize, but Cyprus goalkeeper Fabiano produced an important save to deny him.

Artur Gharibyan also had several opportunities to score, but the hosts were unable to restore parity before halftime. Cyprus, meanwhile, occasionally threatened on the counterattack and struck the crossbar on one occasion.

Artur Gharibyan's Header Brings Armenia Level

Armenia began the second half with even greater intensity, increasing the pressure on the Cypriot defense.

Their efforts paid off in the 58th minute. Artur Serobyan delivered an accurate cross into the penalty area, and Artur Gharibyan headed the ball into the net to make it 1-1.

It was Gharibyan's second goal for the Armenia national team.

Just a few minutes later, the young striker found the net again, but the goal was disallowed for offside.

Artur Serobyan also missed an excellent opportunity to put Armenia ahead. The winger received the ball in a promising position but produced a weak shot that was comfortably saved by the Cyprus goalkeeper.

Following the substitutions made during the second half, Armenia's attacking pressure gradually decreased. Melikyan's team continued to dominate possession and search for a winning goal but created fewer clear-cut opportunities than they had earlier in the half.

The match ultimately ended in a 1-1 draw.

Armenia Sit Third in Nations League Group C2

In the first meeting between the two teams in the current Nations League campaign, Armenia suffered a 2-0 defeat to Cyprus. On that occasion, the Cypriots played with ten men from the 52nd minute but managed to protect their lead and secure all three points.

Armenia were therefore unable to avenge their away defeat.

In the other Group C2 match of the fifth round, Montenegro defeated Latvia 2-1.

After five matches, Armenia have collected five points and sit third in Group C2.

The match against Cyprus was Armenia's final home fixture of the 2026/27 UEFA Nations League group stage.

Yeghishe Melikyan's side will face Latvia in their final group-stage match on Matchday 6.

Armenia 1-1 Cyprus

Goals: Yasonas Pikis (9') — Artur Gharibyan (58').

Referee: Orel Grinfeld (Israel).

Venue: Vazgen Sargsyan Republican Stadium, Yerevan.

Competition: UEFA Nations League 2026/27, Group C2, Matchday 5.