Zini returns to action with match winner for AEK Athens

After two months out due to injury, Angola national team attacker Zini returned to action in sensational form for club AEK Athens with the match winner in a 1-0 Greek Super League victory over Aris on Sunday.

The 23-year-old former Primeiro de Agosto player appeared to be on the verge of securing regular playing time for the Greek giants but a muscle injury put his plans on hold. However, Zini was given an opportunity from the start on Sunday and rewarded coach Marko Nikolic by leaping up to head in a 77th minute cross from Petros Mantalos.

Aris remain three points back of league leaders Olympiacos, the club they finished runner-up to last season. For a club that is struggling to find the goal (12 goals in 11 league matches), the energetic Angolan attacker’s return to duty may be a catalyst for future success.

Zini helped the club qualify for the UEFA Conference League main phase at the beginning of the season, also providing a goal in two early Super League appearances. But since joining AEK ahead of the 2022-23 season, regular playing time has been difficult to secure for the talented forward and it appeared that injury may disrupt his efforts further.

After playing mostly with the reserve team of his current club, Zini was finally able to show his progress in European club football last season when he moved on loan to fellow Super League club Levadiakos. A remarkable 2024-25 campaign with 14 goals in 30 appearances for Levadiakos convinced AEK to invest more time and opportunities for the Angolan and now he has delivered a timely goal to boost his status.

His next opportunity is likely to come on Thursday when AEK travel to face Fiorentina in a return to Conference League action.