Dessers: ‘The Best Is Yet to Come’ After Panathinaikos Heroics
Super Eagles striker Cyriel Dessers believes “the best is yet to come” after his dramatic brace sent Panathinaikos into the UEFA Conference League league phase with a 2-1 victory over Hradec Kralove, Nigeriasoccernet.com reports.
Dessers came off the bench in the 60th minute and broke the deadlock in the 72nd minute before converting a penalty in the 125th minute to seal a 4-3 aggregate victory for the Greek side.
“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,” Dessers said after the match.
The 31-year-old was also delighted to help Panathinaikos secure qualification at a time when the club is undergoing significant changes, with new players arriving and increased pressure surrounding the team.
“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 added.
Dessers’ heroics came after Panathinaikos surrendered a two-goal advantage from the first leg, which ended 2-2 in Athens. Vladimir Darida’s 92nd-minute equaliser in the return fixture forced the contest into extra time before Dessers delivered the decisive moment from the penalty spot.
The brace represents a timely boost for Dessers as he seeks to rebuild his form following an injury-hit spell and push for a return to the Super Eagles.
The 11-cap Nigeria international will now look to build on his impressive European performance and maintain his momentum as the season progresses.
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