William Troost-Ekong netted the decisive goal as PAOK defeated Bosnian side, Borac Banja Luka 3-2 in the first leg of their UEFA Champions League second-round tie on Wednesday.

This match marked Troost-Ekong’s return to action following a lengthy injury-induced absence since the AFCON 2023 final in February.

With the score tied at 2-2, Troost-Ekong scored in the 51st minute to give PAOK a crucial first-leg advantage.

Konstantinos Koulierakis initially put PAOK ahead in the 17th minute, but Sebastián Herrera equalized for Borac Banja Luka with a penalty shortly afterward.

PAOK regained the lead in the 35th minute, only for Enver Kulašin to level the score once more during added time, but Troost-Ekong’s header from a corner in the second half ultimately secured the win for PAOK.

The second leg of the tie is scheduled for next week.