Bafana Bafana star Thapelo Maseko shines on his first FC Copenhagen start with two goals

The South African winger was handed his first starting role since joining Copenhagen from Mamelodi Sundowns, and he wasted little time making an impact.

Maseko opened the scoring after just five minutes with a superb strike before completing his brace midway through the second half to cap a memorable afternoon for the former Sundowns star.

His performance earned praise from Copenhagen coach Bo Svensson, who was impressed not only by Maseko's goals but also by his contribution to the team's overall display.

"Maseko's first goal was a really nice strike, and he also worked hard for the team and did his job. We didn't have many shots in the first half, but we were effective with the ones we had, and we were also a bit lucky with the shot that OB had that hit the post, because an equaliser could have changed the game," Svensson was quoted on the club's website.

The Copenhagen coach also praised his side's defensive discipline before acknowledging the impact of the substitutes after the break.

"But apart from that chance, I think we prevented them from having chances, while we were often dangerous ourselves when we got up to their end of the field.

"After the break, I think you could see that there was some fatigue in the team, as OB had the ball for a longer period. But when we sent fresh players on, we started to play faster and also got further up the field, and that made a difference in the last part of the game, where we got the last three goals.

"So all in all, I think it was a very professional effort today (Sunday)."

The brace could prove a major confidence boost for Maseko as he looks to establish himself at Copenhagen.

The 21-year-old's impressive outing also comes at an encouraging time internationally, having been included in Bafana Bafana coach Pitso Mosimane's preliminary squad ahead of the CAF 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifiers later this month.

After making his full debut in emphatic fashion, Maseko will now hope his goalscoring form continues as he pushes for a regular starting place in Denmark.