By By Elizabeth Ugbo
Nigeria international Cyriel Dessers scored an extra-time winner for Panathinaikos on Tuesday, August 11, 2026, as the Greek club defeated CSKA 1948 2-1 in Sofia. Dessers struck at the Vasil Levski National Stadium to help Panathinaikos secure a 3-2 aggregate victory and advance to the UEFA Conference League play-off round. His decisive goal completed a dramatic comeback after CSKA 1948 had forced extra time.
Dessers Makes Decisive Return From Injury
Dessers returned to action after spending about six months recovering from a thigh injury.
The striker resumed full training with Panathinaikos in July ahead of the 2026/27 season.
He then marked his comeback with a crucial goal in European competition.
His return gives Panathinaikos another attacking option as the club continues its European campaign.
Panathinaikos Take Control in Sofia
Panathinaikos entered the second leg after a 1-1 draw in Athens.
The Greek side needed to avoid defeat to remain in contention for European football.
However, they eventually secured a dramatic victory in Sofia.
Panathinaikos took the lead in the 66th minute through Levi Garcia.
The forward found the bottom corner from a difficult angle.
His effort gave the visitors a 2-1 aggregate advantage.
CSKA 1948 Force Extra Time
CSKA 1948 refused to surrender despite falling behind.
The Bulgarian hosts continued to push for an equaliser late in the match.
Their pressure finally paid off in the 92nd minute.
Lasha Dvali converted to make it 1-1 on the night.
The goal forced the tie into extra time.
Panathinaikos, however, responded almost immediately.
Dessers Delivers the Winning Goal
Dessers had already threatened the CSKA defence earlier in the second half.
Then, in the 94th minute, he produced the decisive moment.
The Nigerian striker reacted quickly inside the penalty area.
He fired a right-footed shot into the bottom-left corner.
The goal restored Panathinaikos’ lead and stunned the home side.
More importantly, it gave the Greek club a 3-2 aggregate victory.
Panathinaikos Survive a Tough European Tie
The result completed a dramatic turnaround for Panathinaikos.
The first leg in Athens ended 1-1 on August 5.
CSKA 1948 had taken the lead through Adriano Jagusic in the 21st minute.
Jagusic headed Santino Andino’s cross into the net.
However, Georgi Rusev levelled for Panathinaikos in the 31st minute.
He finished after a scramble inside the Panathinaikos penalty area.
The Greek side created several chances to regain the lead.
CSKA goalkeeper Petar Marinov made a strong save to deny De Vrij.
Rusev also came close to giving the visitors the advantage.
Additionally, Gasevic struck the crossbar in the 82nd minute.
CSKA 1948 therefore finished the first leg strongly.
Dessers’ Goal Keeps European Campaign Alive
Dessers’ late strike proved decisive in a tie that stayed competitive until extra time.
Panathinaikos will now compete in the UEFA Conference League play-off round.
The Nigerian forward’s return could prove valuable during the next stage.
His goal also provides an early boost after his lengthy injury absence.
For Dessers, the comeback could not have delivered a better moment.
