African stars Cyriel Dessers and Kings Kangwa were on target as Panathinaikos began their UEFA Conference League campaign with a hard-fought 2-1 victory over Bosnian side FK Borac Banja Luka at the Olympic Stadium Spyros Louis.
Nigerian striker Dessers opened the scoring from the penalty spot, while Zambian midfielder Kangwa struck the decisive goal in the second half to secure all three points for the Greek outfit.
The hosts were handed an early opportunity to take the lead following a dramatic opening that featured multiple VAR interventions. Vicente Taborda missed an initial penalty in the sixth minute before a subsequent incident resulted in another spot-kick being awarded to Panathinaikos.
Dessers took responsibility and made no mistake in the 10th minute, calmly converting from the spot to put the home side ahead.
Panathinaikos maintained control of possession as they sought to extend their advantage, with Moroccan international Azzedine Ounahi also featuring in midfield.
Despite their territorial dominance, the Greek side had to wait until the 70th minute to find their second goal, with Kangwa stepping up to deliver the decisive moment.
The Zambian midfielder capitalised on a delivery from Santino Andino, finding space inside the penalty area before finishing clinically to restore Panathinaikos’ advantage and put them firmly on course for victory.
Borac Banja Luka refused to surrender without a fight and reduced the deficit in the 80th minute through Miloš Jojić, setting up a tense finish.
However, Panathinaikos remained resolute during the closing stages and through stoppage time to preserve their lead and open their European campaign with a valuable victory.
For Dessers and Kangwa, their goals underlined the importance of African talent to Panathinaikos’ ambitions on the continental stage, with the duo delivering when their team needed them most.
