Leon Balogun and Cyriel Dessers came off the bench to inspire Rangers to a commanding 3-0 victory over Aberdeen in the Scottish Premiership on Wednesday.
Both players delivered decisive contributions in stoppage time, with Balogun scoring and providing an assist, while Dessers ended his six-game goal drought with a clinical finish.
A Tactical Masterstroke
Rangers manager Philippe Clement stuck with the starting XI that secured a win against St Johnstone over the weekend, leaving Balogun and Dessers on the bench.
Balogun returned to the squad after missing six league games due to injury, while Dessers continued to play second fiddle to Moroccan striker Hamza Igamane, who has been preferred since December.
Igamane gave Rangers an early lead in the 13th minute, but it was the substitutes who stole the spotlight late in the game.
Balogun entered the fray in the 76th minute, replacing Robin Propper, while Dessers came on for Igamane in the 89th minute. The Nigerian duo wasted no time making an impact.
In the 93rd minute, Balogun rose highest to powerfully head the ball into the net, doubling Rangers’ lead. Moments later, the Super Eagles defender turned provider, setting up Dessers for the third goal in the 97th minute.
Dessers’ composed finish ended his Premiership goal drought in style, marking a much-needed boost for the striker, who has been linked with a potential January exit.
Key Stats and Rangers’ Standing
The win takes Rangers’ points tally to 47, though they remain 13 points adrift of league leaders and reigning champions Celtic.
For Dessers, the goal was his seventh in 20 league appearances, along with two assists. Meanwhile, Balogun, in just his 13th Premiership outing of the season, recorded his first goal and assist.
Uncertain Futures
Both players face uncertainty regarding their futures at the club. Balogun is in the final six months of his contract, while Dessers has been rumored to be on the move in the January transfer window.
Their impactful performances, however, could be pivotal not only for their careers but also for Rangers’ title ambitions.
