Nigeria international Cyriel Dessers scored a dramatic extra-time winner as Panathinaikos defeated CSKA 1948 2-1 in Sofia to book their place in the UEFA Conference League play-off round.

The Super Eagles forward struck in the 94th minute at the Vasil Levski National Stadium, restoring Panathinaikos’ advantage only two minutes after Lasha Dvali had equalised for the Bulgarian hosts.

The victory secured a 3-2 aggregate win for the Greek side following last week’s 1-1 draw in Athens. Panathinaikos had taken the lead in the 66th minute when Levi Garcia found the bottom corner from a difficult angle.

CSKA 1948 appeared to have forced the tie into a more complicated situation when Dvali converted in the 92nd minute to level the match and force extra time.

However, Panathinaikos responded almost immediately. Dessers, who had already threatened earlier in the second half, reacted quickly inside the box before firing a right-footed effort into the bottom-left corner to settle the contest.

Dessers delivers in extra time

The result completed a dramatic turnaround for Panathinaikos, who had been held to a 1-1 draw by CSKA 1948 in the first leg at the Olympic Stadium in Athens on August 5.

Adriano Jagusic had given the Greek side the lead in the 21st minute after rising to head Santino Andino’s cross into the net.

CSKA 1948 responded 10 minutes later through Georgi Rusev, who equalised following a scramble inside the Panathinaikos penalty area.

Panathinaikos had opportunities to regain the lead but were unable to convert them. CSKA goalkeeper Petar Marinov produced a strong save to deny De Vrij, while Rusev also came close to putting the visitors ahead.

Gasevic later struck the crossbar in the 82nd minute as the Bulgarian side finished the first leg strongly.

Dessers makes decisive return

The 1-1 draw left Panathinaikos needing a positive result in Sofia to keep their European campaign alive.

They eventually secured qualification in dramatic fashion, overcoming CSKA’s late equaliser before Dessers produced the decisive moment in extra time.

The Nigerian striker’s goal was particularly significant following his recent injury setback. He had spent about six months on the treatment table with a thigh injury before returning to full training with Panathinaikos ahead of the 2026/27 season.

Dessers has now marked his return with a crucial goal that has kept Panathinaikos’ European campaign alive.

The Greek club will next compete in the Conference League play-off round, where they will seek to secure a place in the main phase of the competition.