240 days after last competitive appearance, fit-again Dessers scores on Panathinaikos comeback

Super Eagles striker Cyriel Dessers marked his return from injury in style, scoring the winning goal as Panathinaikos secured a 2-1 victory over CSKA Sofia in a UEFA Conference League qualifier.

The Super Eagles striker returned to action after coming on in the second half to replace North Macedonia forward Elmin Rastoder.

Dessers went on to score the decisive goal in extra time after the encounter ended 1-1 during regulation time.

The former Rangers striker calmly finished into the net after capitalising on an error from the goalkeeper.

His strike secured a 2-1 victory for Panathinaikos and ensured the Greek side progressed to the next round with a 3-2 aggregate win, following a 1-1 draw in the first leg in Greece.

Dessers, who joined Panathinaikos from Rangers last summer, will be delighted with his return from injury after making his first appearance since the previous campaign.

The Nigerian attacker last featured for Panathinaikos in their 2-1 victory over Volos NFC on December 14, 2025, before joining the Super Eagles ahead of the 2025 AFCON tournament in Morocco.

The 31-year-old had subsequently spent 240 days on the sidelines due to injury and will now be keen to build on his goal scoring return and maintain his fitness for the remainder of the 2025/2026 campaign.

Adeyemi Adewale

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