Okkas grabs draw for Cyprus

MONTENEGRO remain without a win in World Cup qualifying Group Eight after letting a second-half lead slip away against Cyprus.

Captain Mirko Vucinic handed the home side a 57th-minute lead with a penalty, but Cyprus drew level seven minutes later when Ioannis Okkas netted.

Zoran Filipovic’s team, like Cyprus, had seen their hopes of a surprise top-two finish disappear much earlier in the campaign so were playing for national pride.

After a goalless first half, Montenegro were presented with their big chance to make a breakthrough when Stevan Jovetic surged in from the left and entered the penalty area where his progress was halted by Marinos Satsias.

Referee Cyril Zimmermann awarded a penalty and Vucinic fired the ball past Cyprus goalkeeper Sofronis Avgousti.

A victory in their eighth qualifier looked on the cards for Montenegro but Cyprus dragged themselves level when captain Okkas turned the ball into the net from the edge of the six-yard box.

Montenegro piled on the pressure in the rest of the match, as they searched for a winner, but the strong Cyprus defence held out. Ireland have yet to play Montenegro at home while Italy must travel to Cyprus.