Ex-Sundowns Star Reacts To UEFA Conference League Qualification
South Africa national team star Thapelo Maseko described making his debut at Parken Stadium as an “amazing feeling” after helping Danish giants FC Copenhagen defeat Inter Turku to reach the UEFA Conference League phase.
Maseko, who completed his transfer to the Danish Superliga champions from Mamelodi Sundowns, entered the pitch as a late substitute against the Finnish side on Thursday.
Copenhagen secured a dominant 4-1 victory on the night to complete a 4-1 aggregate triumph. The 22-year-old winger made an immediate impact, driving down the flank to deliver a cross that was turned into the net for an own goal to seal the win.
Following the victory, Copenhagen learned their UEFA Conference League phase opponents during Friday’s draw. The Danish side will host SC Braga, Lugano, and Iberia 1999 at Parken Stadium, while traveling away to face Crvena zvezda, Inter Escaldes, and Universitatea Craiova.
“It was an amazing, wonderful feeling to play in front of the FC Copenhagen fans for the first time,” Maseko told the club’s media channels.
“It was incredible—almost felt like I was dreaming. I am thankful to all the guys for the warm reception and welcome to the club. They have been amazing, and we can only grow from here.”
Maseko’s move to Europe arrived on the heels of a historic campaign with Bafana Bafana at the FIFA World Cup, where he netted the decisive goal against South Korea in the final group match to send South Africa into the knockout stages for the first time in history.
South Africa’s World Cup run eventually came to an end following a narrow 1-0 defeat to co-hosts Canada in the Round of 32.
“It’s always a great feeling to play in Europe for the first time,” Maseko added regarding Copenhagen’s European qualification. “There aren’t many words I can use to express how I feel right now, but I am very happy!”
Currently fifth in the Danish Superliga, FC Copenhagen return to domestic action on Monday when they host SønderjyskE in Round 6.
