Super Eagles forward Cyriel Dessers has promised more after starring for Panathinaikos with a brace in their dramatic 2-1 victory over Hradec Kralove to secure qualification for the Conference League league phase.
The 31-year-old striker came off the bench in the second half and made an immediate impact, opening the scoring in the 72nd minute. Hradec Kralove equalised through Vladimir Darida in the 92nd minute, forcing the tie into extra time.
With the match heading towards a penalty shootout, Panathinaikos were awarded a late penalty, which Dessers converted in the 125th minute to seal a 2-1 victory and a 4-3 aggregate success.
Speaking to SKAI after the match, Dessers expressed his delight at making a decisive contribution to Panathinaikos’ European campaign and explained how important the qualification was for the team during a period of changes.
“I am very happy that my first goals gave us qualification. It is a special phase of the year, changes are made, new players are coming, there is pressure. Now that we have qualified, the pressure can be reduced and we can play good football as a team,” he said as quoted by Sportal.
Dessers also reflected on his decisive penalty in the final moments of extra time, admitting that while scoring so late was special, he would prefer to avoid such dramatic finishes.
“It’s nice to score in extra time, but I prefer to avoid it. I’m glad I gave Panathinaikos something after a difficult year. The best is yet to come. I’m growing and the team is growing too," he added.
The victory completes Panathinaikos’ qualification after the first leg in Athens ended 2-2, with the Greek side having surrendered a two-goal lead late in the match.
Dessers’ brace provides an early boost for the Nigerian forward as Panathinaikos prepare for the Conference League league phase, with the striker now looking to build on his decisive performance and deliver more for the Greek side.
Wale Adejumo
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