Cyriel Dessers scores as Panathinaikos beat Borac Banja Luka in Conference League

Panathinaikos began their UEFA Conference League campaign with a 2-1 win over Borac Banja Luka, with Cyriel Dessers scoring his first goal in the competition for the Greek side at the OACA in Marousi on Thursday evening.

Dessers opened the scoring from the penalty spot in the first half after being brought down inside the area. The referee awarded the penalty following an intervention from the Video Assistant Referee (VAR).

The Nigerian striker kept his composure to send Bosnia goalkeeper Mladen Jurkas the wrong way and put Panathinaikos in front.

Zambian midfielder Kings Kangwa extended the hosts’ lead after the interval before Serbian midfielder Milos Jojic pulled one back for the visitors. Panathinaikos held on to secure all three points.

The goal was Dessers’ first since Panathinaikos secured qualification for the group stage of the tournament.

Dessers had endured a difficult start to the campaign because of fitness problems, but he made a significant contribution during the qualifying phase as Panathinaikos progressed to the group stage.

After returning from injury, the former Rangers forward scored three goals in three matches to help the Greek club reach the next stage of the competition.

Dessers will now look to build on his latest performance as he seeks to rediscover his best form during the campaign.