Rueters
Thursday, October 26, 2000; 4:30 PM

ATHENS, Oct 26 – OFI Crete twice came from behind to claim a hard-fought 2-2 draw at home to Slavia Praha on Thursday.

The Czechs threatened to put the tie beyond the Cretans in an open first half and took the lead through Radim Necas on the half hour.

Veteran defender Thanassis Kolitsidakis came to OFI's rescue just before half time with the equaliser.

Slavia made it 2-1 with 20 minutes to go when centre back Karel Rada scored. But the Czechs eased off and Brazilian striker Mauro Silva forced home from close range in the 78th.

It was his third goal in European competition and gave his team a fighting chance in the return in Prague in two weeks' time. Alonso Solis, one of three Costa Ricans in the Cretan team, almost snatched a late winner.