Dessers Scores Late Winner As Panathinaikos Reach Conference League Group Stage
Cyriel Dessers was the hero for Greek side Panathinaikos as they defeated Croatian club Hradec Kralove 2-1 in their UEFA Europa Conference League play-off second leg.
Dessers, who was part of the Super Eagles squad for the last Africa Cup of Nations, missed the tournament after suffering an injury in camp.
The Nigerian striker came off the bench and made a big impact, putting Panathinaikos ahead in the 72nd minute with a well-taken finish.
Hradec Kralove, however, fought back and equalised, sending the tie into extra time.
With the game heading towards a penalty shootout, Dessers once again stepped up for Panathinaikos.
The striker converted from the spot in the fifth minute of added time at the end of extra time, giving his side a dramatic 2-1 victory on the night.
Dessers showed great composure to score what was virtually the final kick of the game, sending Panathinaikos through to the Conference League group stage.
Panathinaikos advanced with a 4-3 aggregate victory, leaving the home supporters heartbroken.
