Super Eagles captain, William Troost-Ekong, made a triumphant return to action by scoring the winning goal for PAOK in their thrilling victory over FK Borac Banja Luka in the Champions League second qualifying round first leg.
Troost-Ekong scored with a fine towering header for PAOK off a corner kick as PAOK overcame Bosnian club Borac Banja Luka 3-2.
The Nigerian defender’s header proved to be the decisive moment in the encounter, played at the Stadio Toumbas on Wednesday.
The goal was particularly significant as it marked Troost-Ekong’s first competitive match since the AFCON 2023 final in February, where he was named the tournament’s Most Valuable Player.
His injury-induced layoff had raised concerns about his fitness ahead of the upcoming AFCON 2025 qualifiers, but this performance will undoubtedly boost the morale of the Super Eagles.
The 30-year-old’s aerial ability was on full display as he rose above the Bosnian defence to connect with a corner and send the ball into the net.
His goal came after a pulsating encounter that saw both teams exchange blows.
PAOK twice took the lead through Konstantinos Koulierakis, but Borac Banja Luka fought back to level the scores on both occasions.
Konstantinos handed PAOK the lead barely 17 minutes into the game. Sebastian Herrera levelled the scores five minutes later with a penalty kick.
Konstantinos then doubled his goal count for the match to put the home team ahead once more, but Enver Kulasin gave the visitors yet another equaliser just before halftime.
And in the 51st minute, with the score equal at 2-2, Troost-Ekong scored to give his Greek team the first-leg edge.
Troost-Ekong’s intervention proved to be the difference-maker as PAOK secured a crucial advantage heading into the return leg in Bosnia.
The Macedonian team will play their Bosnian opponent at the Banja Luka City Stadium in the return leg on July 31.
The winner of both legs will advance to the third round.
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