UEL: Dessers sees goal disallowed, booked for screaming at referee as Rangers are beaten by Aris Limassol

Rangers were beaten 2-1 by Cypriot First Division club Aris Limassol in their second group game of the UEFA Europa League on Thursday evening at the Alphamega Stadium.

In his first match in the dugout as interim manager of Rangers, Steven Davis chose Cyriel Dessers to lead the line, with Scott Wright and  Abdallah Sima providing support for the Nigeria international.

Nine minutes into the game, Aris centre-back Alex Moucketou-Moussounda put the hosts ahead when he headed past Jack Butland.

Dessers held off his marker before slotting the ball into the net in the 20th minute, only for the Rangers number 9 to see the goal disallowed after the VAR confirmed the on-field call that he was offside in the build-up to the goal.

Just before halftime, the Nigerian had an opportunity to restore parity but his first touch was too heavy.

Shavy Babicka.gave Aris a crucial second goal in the 59th minute when he finished from close range.

Dessers was booked for screaming at the referee in the 64th minute after going down in the box with minimal contact.

Abdallah Sima gave Rangers a lifeline by pulling one back in the 70th minute but the Cypriot side were able to hold on to victory. 

The Light Blues are back in action on Sunday, October 8 when they take on St. Mirren in the Scottish Premiership. 

Ifeanyi Emmanuel 

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