Former Premier League goalkeeper Thomas Strakosha conceded a sensational goal from an opposition stopper in a stunning moment that left him red-faced.
Strakosha, formerly of Brentford, was helpless to prevent a long clearance from bouncing into the turf and over his head on only his third AEK Athens appearance.
The 29-year-old moved to Greece after deputising for Thomas Frank’s side for two seasons in London – but his time at his new club has got off to a nightmare start.
Starting between the sticks against Armenian side FC Noah Yerevan in a Europa Conference League qualifier on Tuesday, Strakosha was caught out by a long ball.
Noah Yerevan keeper Ognjen Cancarevic opted to launch a kick up the pitch from inside his own box and watched as the ball skipped off the surface at speed.
Former Brentford goalkeeper Thomas Strakosha conceded a horror goal for AEK Athens
Strakosha was helpless to prevent a long clearance from his rival stopper from beating him
The pace appeared to catch Strakosha off guard and the Albanian, despite reaching out a desperate hand, could not stop the ball from ending up in the back of the net.
Unsurprisingly, Cancarevic was mobbed by his shocked team-mates.
But at the other end of the field, the embarrassed Strakosha appeared visibly dejected while on his knees before he bowled the ball back out for the restart.
Adding insult to injury, AEK Athens went on to lose the tie 3-1.
Noah Yerevan keeper Ognjen Cancarevic launched the ball up the pitch with plenty of speed
The ball then bounced into the turf and sailed over Strakosha’s head before finding the net
Strakosha reached out a desperate hand and looked visibly dejected after the mistake
However, Strakosha will be given a chance at redemption with his team facing Noah Yerevan in the second leg next week as they eye up overturning the two-goal deficit.
The goalie left the Premier League after making two appearances in as many years.
Before arriving at Brentford in 2022, Strakosha had spent 10 years with Serie A giants Lazio. There, he won two Italian Cups and two Italian Super Cups.