Sundowns loanee Thapelo Maseko scores first league goal for AEL Limassol (Video)

On his second start, Mamelodi Sundowns loanee Thapelo Maseko found the net for Cyprus League club AEL Limassol on Friday in a 2-0 victory at last place side Paralimni.

Against a club that has shockingly managed only one point from twenty-three matches this season, it was easy pickings for the 22-year-old who capitalized on the opportunity to score his second goal for Limassol since joining on loan in late January.

Receiving a pass from the right wing, the South African winger turned and fired a powerful effort just under the crossbar to give the visitors the lead in the 35th minute. A late goal from Daniil Paroutis confirmed victory for AEL, ending a two-match losing streak.

The club remain in a battle to sneak into a top-6 position in order to compete in the championship group later in the campaign. They sit in 7th place, three points back of sixth place APOEL.

Maseko joined on loan from Sundowns in lat January. He opened his account with an extra-time winner as AEL shocked Cyprus League leaders Omonia in the quarterfinals of the nation’s cup competition.

 

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Next up is a crucial clash at home against APOEL next Saturday. There are only three more fixtures until the league splits between the top-6 clubs while the remainder of the 14-team league will battle to avoid relegation.

Thapelo Maseko Makes His Mark for AEL Limassol

Facing a struggling Paralimni side that has managed just one point from 23 matches this season, AEL Limassol were clear favorites heading into the encounter. However, they still needed composure and quality to secure the three points — and Thapelo Maseko delivered exactly that.

In the 35th minute, Maseko received a pass from the right wing, turned sharply, and unleashed a powerful shot that flew just under the crossbar. The goalkeeper had no chance, as the South African winger handed AEL a deserved lead.

The goal highlighted Maseko’s attacking instincts, quick decision-making, and confidence in front of goal. It also reinforced why AEL Limassol moved swiftly to secure his services from Mamelodi Sundowns during the January transfer window.

AEL Limassol End Losing Streak in Cyprus League

The victory was particularly significant for AEL Limassol, as it ended a two-match losing streak in the Cyprus League. After taking the lead through Thapelo Maseko, the visitors managed the game professionally before Daniil Paroutis sealed the win with a late goal.

The three points keep AEL firmly in contention for a top-six finish — a crucial objective as the Cyprus League prepares to split into championship and relegation groups later in the season.

Currently sitting in seventh place, AEL Limassol are just three points behind sixth-placed APOEL. With only three matches remaining before the split in the 14-team league, every fixture now carries enormous importance.