UECL : Dessers etches his name into the history books despite Feyenoord's loss to Roma

Feyenoord striker Cyriel Dessers finished as the UEFA Europa Conference League top scorer with ten goals despite firing blanks in the final against Jose Mourinho's AS Roma at the National Arena - Tirana on Wednesday night.

In doing so, the Racing Genk loanee etched his name into the history books by becoming the first Nigerian player to win the top scorer prize of a European competition, including the Europa League and Champions League.

In a tight but watchable first half, all that stood between both teams was a deftly taken goal from Roma attacking midfielder Nicolo Zaniolo just past the half hour mark.

A smart diagonal ball from Mancini outwitted the Feyenoord defence which allowed Zaniolo to apply a delicate touch before lofting the ball past the onrushing Bijlow.

The Rotterdam club gave absolutely everything in the second half but lacked quality in the final third and Roma goalkeeper Rui Patricio made a couple of brilliant saves.

Dessers was through on goal in the 60th minute but it wouldn't have counted if he had scored as he handled the ball in the build-up.

The 27-year-old featured in thirteen matches in the inaugural Europa Conference League.

Ifeanyi Emmanuel

Photo Credit : uefa.com

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