Maseko scores twice on first FC Copenhagen league start

Thapelo Maseko marked his first Danish Superliga start for FC Copenhagen with two goals as the club moved top of the table after a 5-0 victory over Odense Boldklub.

The Bafana Bafana winger, 22, had been forced to wait for his opportunity since joining the Danish club last month. He had previously made three appearances as a substitute, but earned his first start in the league for the match in Bolbro.

Maseko made an immediate impact, giving FC Copenhagen the lead in the fifth minute with a trademark long-range effort that flew into the top corner.

The South Africa international thought he had added a second shortly after the half-hour mark, but the goal was ruled out following a review by the video assistant referee.

That decision did not prevent Maseko from completing his brace. With 15 minutes remaining, he found the net again as FC Copenhagen finished the match with a comprehensive win.

The result leaves FC Copenhagen at the top of the Danish Superliga after seven matches. They have won six of their opening seven league games and suffered one defeat.

Maseko joined FC Copenhagen from Mamelodi Sundowns last month in a move reported to be worth €1.5m. His transfer followed an impressive 2026 FIFA World Cup campaign with South Africa, where his performances helped raise his profile before his move to Denmark.

Although he had featured from the bench in each of his first three appearances for FC Copenhagen, his display against Odense Boldklub provided a decisive response when he was finally named in the starting line-up.

His first goal demonstrated the quality that has made him a notable attacking option for club and country, while his late finish ensured that the disallowed effort did not overshadow his performance.

Maseko’s contribution was central to a result that continued FC Copenhagen’s strong start to the league season. The five-goal victory also maintained their position at the summit, with the club now having collected six wins from seven matches.

For Maseko, the afternoon in Bolbro delivered a memorable first league start for his new club. He opened the scoring, overcame the disappointment of having another goal removed after VAR intervention and then completed his double before FC Copenhagen secured all three points.