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Cyriel Dessers says he believes Panathinaikos can achieve more after his two goals sent the Greek club into the Conference League league phase, Footynaija reports.
The Nigeria international came off the bench to become the key player in a dramatic 2-1 win over Hradec Kralove on Thursday.
Panathinaikos looked set to face a penalty shootout after Vladimir Darida scored in the 92nd minute to cancel out Dessers’ opener. But the hosts were awarded a penalty in the 125th minute, and Dessers kept his cool to score again.
The win gave Panathinaikos a 4-3 aggregate victory after the first leg in Athens ended 2-2.
Dessers, 31, said the qualification was important for a team that is still adapting to changes in its squad.
“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 said as quoted by Sportal.
The striker had only a short time to make an impact after entering the game, but his first goal gave Panathinaikos the lead before the late equaliser changed the mood. His second goal came just before the final whistle and prevented the tie from going to penalties.
Dessers admitted he would rather avoid such a tense finish, despite enjoying his role in deciding the game.
“It’s nice to score in extra time, but I prefer to avoid it. 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 added.
The performance gives Dessers an early chance to build confidence at his new club after a difficult period.
With Panathinaikos now through to the Conference League league phase, the Nigerian forward will hope his dramatic start can lead to more goals and a bigger role in the team.
