Zambia international Kings Kangwa marked his UEFA Conference League debut with a goal as Greek side Panathinaikos began their league-phase campaign with a 2-1 victory over Bosnian outfit Borac Banja Luka.
The Chipolopolo midfielder struck in the 70th minute to double Panathinaikos’ advantage after Cyriel Dessers had opened the scoring from the penalty spot in the first half.
The victory provided a timely response for Panathinaikos, who returned to winning ways after their derby defeat by Olympiacos.
Panathinaikos started brightly and were awarded a penalty in the third minute following a VAR review for a foul on Dessers by Herrera. However, Tamborda saw his effort saved by the Borac goalkeeper.
The hosts continued to apply pressure and were rewarded in the 10th minute when another VAR intervention resulted in a penalty after Dessers was brought down by Meyers.
The forward made no mistake from the spot to give the Greek side an early lead.
Borac threatened through a Sanitsanin header shortly after the restart, but Panathinaikos regained control and continued to search for a second goal.
Their pressure eventually paid off in the 70th minute when Antino produced an impressive run down the left before delivering a cross into the penalty area, where Kangwa arrived to finish confidently and make it 2-0.
Borac pulled a goal back in the 80th minute through Jojić, who found the net with a shot from the edge of the box, setting up a tense finish.
Panathinaikos, however, managed the closing stages effectively to secure all three points and make a winning start to their Conference League campaign.
Kangwa’s goal marks a positive start to his European campaign as the Zambian midfielder continues to establish himself at the Greek club.
