Senegalese forward Cherif Ndiaye continued his impressive individual form for PAOK, but his goal could not prevent a disappointing 3-1 defeat to newly promoted Kalamata FC at the Toumba Stadium on Matchday 6 of the Stoiximan Super League.
Kalamata stunned the home supporters by taking the lead in the 28th minute, with K. Vargas calmly converting from the penalty spot to put the visitors ahead.
PAOK responded with increased attacking urgency as they searched for an equaliser before the break. Their persistence paid off in the 44th minute when Ndiaye found the net with a clinical finish to restore parity.
The 30-year-old striker, who was recently named PAOK’s Player of the Month for September, once again demonstrated his importance to the team’s attacking setup, scoring just before half-time to give the hosts renewed hope.
However, Kalamata delivered a decisive response after the restart, regaining the lead in the 56th minute through Vargas, who completed his brace after being set up by Julio Alonso.
The visitors continued to exploit PAOK’s defensive weaknesses, and their impressive performance was rewarded again in the 66th minute when D. Kurminovski scored the third goal, with Alonso providing his second assist of the afternoon.
PAOK struggled to recover from the two quick second-half setbacks as Kalamata held firm to secure a memorable victory away from home.
Despite the disappointing result, Ndiaye maintained his positive scoring run, taking his league tally to three goals this season. His contribution offered one of the few bright spots for PAOK on an afternoon when the hosts were unable to contain the newly promoted side.
For Kalamata, the victory represented a significant statement of intent, while PAOK were left to reflect on a costly defensive collapse that overshadowed Ndiaye’s latest goal.
