The 2025 Greek Community Cup champion has been decided in an epic final with a penalty shootout. Bentleigh Greens and Box Hill were level at 3 all after regulation time with Bentleigh Greens winning the penalty shootout 3 – 2 to lift the Cup for the very first time.
In a thrilling encounter, Bentleigh Greens took the early lead after 10 minutes before Box Hill levelled the scores at the main break. Box Hill then took an early lead after halftime before Bentleigh equalised literally minutes later.
The game was headed for a 2 – 2 draw until the 85th minute when Bentleigh Greens scored. The game looked all over and with seconds to go and literally the last kick of the day, Box Hill did the impossible and scored a header from a free kick to level the scores and force the dramatic penalty shootout.
In the earlier match, the tournament hosts Mill Park defeated South Melbourne 4 nil to win the shield.
The Shield was presented by Bronwyn Halfpenny MP for Thomastown. In her remarks to players and supporters, Ms Halfpenny said: “Congratulations to President Aris and of course the coach and all the players that really under this hot sun, really put up a fantastic show, I’m looking forward to seeing you for next year doing bigger and better things but of course you’re certainly off to a great start.”
Michael Karamitos, Greek Community Board Member and tournament organiser, had this to say following the epic final.
“What an amazing spectacle we witnessed today to conclude and decide the 2025 Greek Community Cup Champion. The match was an epic, played in great spirit and I congratulate both teams for making the event so special,” Karamitos said.
“Congratulations to Bentleigh Greens on their win and also a very special mention to Box Hill who played their hearts out today. I thank Mill Park for hosting the tournament and look forward to bigger and better things next season.”
Greek Community of Melbourne President, Bill Papastergiadis was also full of praise for both teams.
“Our Community was definitely the winner today and I thank all the people who came to support the event. Congratulations to Bentleigh Greens for winning the Cup and also congratulations to Mill Park on firstly winning the shield and secondly hosting what was an amazing three weeks of football within our community. Sport brings people together and this was definitely our objective as well as promoting our youth,” Papastergiadis said.
The Greek Community Cup is now accepting registrations for the Youth tournament, taking place from 16 to 18 January 2026 at Kingston Heath Reserve in Dandenong, with details for the women’s and juniors tournaments to be announced shortly.
