Three Super Eagles invitees feature as Rangers send Omoijuanfo and Red Star packing despite loss

Published: March 17, 2022

Despite a 2-1 loss at the Stadion Rajko Mitic in Belgrade on Thursday evening, manager Giovanni van Bronckhorst has led Rangers into the Europa League quarterfinals, edging Ohi Omoijuanfo and Red Star Belgrade 4-2 on aggregate.

The Scottish Premiership champions had a three-goal advantage coming into the second leg after their outstanding showing in Ibrox Stadium a week ago.

All three Rangers players named in the Super Eagles main squad to face Ghana in the shape of Leon Balogun, Joe Aribo and Calvin Bassey started in the Serbian capital.

Rangers found themselves behind in the tenth minute when the unmarked Mirko Ivanic slammed a half volley past goalkeeper McGregor and the home team had chances to increase the lead before the end of the first half but were not clinical enough.

Four minutes into the second half, the unselfish Omoijuanfo looked for Pavkov after getting away from Bassey but the ball rolled away from danger.

It was good night to Red Star Belgrade's hopes of reaching the last eight in the 56th minute as Ryan Kent's shot took a deflection and deceived the goalkeeper for 1-1.

Aribo, who was close to a suspension, was replaced in the 68th minute and he will be available for the quarterfinals.

Red Star Belgrade got a small consolation of winning the second leg when Ben Nabouhane scored from the spot in stoppage time.

Igho Kingsley

Photo Credit : uefa.com

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