Photo Credit: Photo credit to PUNCH Newspapers
Dessers Promises More After Double Strikes Panathinaikos Into Conference League

Super Eagles striker Cyriel Dessers has promised that his best form is still ahead after his match-winning brace fired Panathinaikos into the league phase of the UEFA Conference League.

The Nigerian forward came off the bench in the 60th minute and changed the game, scoring in the 72nd minute before holding his nerve to convert a 125th-minute penalty. The 2-1 win on the night gave the Greek giants a 4-3 aggregate victory over Czech side Hradec Kralove.

Dessers, who had endured a difficult year, said he was happy to finally repay the club.
“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 said after the match.
The 31-year-old added that his first goals for the club came at a crucial time.
“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.”
Panathinaikos had thrown away a two-goal lead to draw 2-2 in the first leg in Athens, and Vladimir Darida’s 92nd-minute equalizer in the second leg had forced extra time before Dessers sealed it.

The brace is a big boost for the 11-cap Nigerian international as he looks to rediscover his best form after an injury-hit spell and push for a recall to the Super Eagles squad.
Source: PUNCH Sports