Hearts 2-2 Rangers: Late Makhanya Header Rescues Point for McInnes on Tynecastle Return

Olwethu Makhanya Header Rescues Point for Rangers Against Hearts

Olwethu Makhanya scored a late header in the 89th minute to secure a 2-2 draw for Rangers against Hearts at Tynecastle Park as Derek McInnes made a return to Gorgie.

Hostile Reception Greets McInnes on Tynecastle Return

It was exactly what I thought it would be, he said of his reception. It’s football, it’s Scottish football. He further stated: When we did get a chance to transition on them, we never quite looked after the ball well enough, and observed that the top end of my side, they’re very young and sometimes they need to come through these types of games and atmospheres, but we have to say we didn’t play to our level. Despite the hostile atmosphere, his side capitalised on mistakes when Kevin Kelsy scored a 16th-minute opener following a lapse from Laurent Mendy.

Hearts Counterattack to Take Control

Hearts responded after the half-time interval, overwhelming the visitors with sustained pressure. Cláudio Braga bundled the ball over the line from close range three minutes into the second half. Shortly after, Tomas Magnusson dispossessed Kim Minsu to spark a swift counterattack, allowing Braga to drive down the left and cross for Calvin Miller to finish low from seven yards out in the 57th minute. Sky Sports noted that Rangers really struggled to deal with Hearts.

Late Equaliser Divides Managers Post-Match

Rangers found a late lifeline when substitute Bouanani delivered a free-kick from the left that Olwethu Makhanya headed past the goalkeeper as stoppage time approached. Dujon Sterling missed a chance to snatch a victory in the dying seconds, chesting the ball straight to Hearts goalkeeper Beau Reus. Tensions lingered after the final whistle, with Hearts head coach Wouter Vrancken saying they lost two points. Sky Sports’ Kris Boyd at Tynecastle Park declared: Rangers have stolen a point, and added: Rangers will actually be delighted to leave here with a point tonight. Boyd also remarked: Hearts, the amount of games they’ve had, running on empty, the amount of injuries they’ve got, they were the better team tonight and that would be worrying.

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