Badreddine Bouanani provides late assist as Rangers rescue draw against Hearts

Badreddine Bouanani provided a crucial late assist for Rangers as they fought back to secure a 2-2 draw against Hearts of Midlothian, delivering his first assist for the Scottish club in his seventh appearance.

The 21-year-old Algerian winger came off the bench with Rangers trailing 2-1 before setting up South African defender Olwethu Makhanya for an 89th-minute equaliser.

The result denied Rangers the opportunity to move within one point of Scottish Premiership leaders Celtic, with the Glasgow side facing a difficult away fixture against third-placed Hearts.

Bouanani’s late contribution continued his gradual progress since joining Rangers. Having scored against Dundee two weeks earlier, the former Nice player has now added an assist to his record, providing another important moment for his new club.

Rangers had started the match positively, taking an early lead before Hearts responded to level the contest. The home side subsequently moved ahead 2-1, leaving the visitors needing a response as the match entered its closing stages.

With Rangers struggling to find another goal, managerial changes brought Bouanani into the game before the hour mark. The winger attempted to make an immediate impact, taking several shots as his side searched for an equaliser.

Although those efforts did not produce a goal, Bouanani eventually made the difference through his delivery from a set piece.

In the 89th minute, the Algerian midfielder sent a free-kick into the penalty area, finding Makhanya, who headed home to make it 2-2 and rescue a point for Rangers.

The late goal ensured Rangers avoided defeat against a Hearts side competing near the top of the league table. However, the draw meant they missed the chance to significantly reduce the gap to Celtic.

Bouanani continues to make his mark

Bouanani’s performance offered another indication of his growing influence at Rangers. After scoring against Dundee earlier in the month, he has now contributed directly to another goal, this time by creating a decisive opportunity in the final minutes.

The winger had to wait until his seventh appearance for the club to register his first assist, but its importance was clear given the timing and the circumstances of the match.

Coming on while Rangers were behind, Bouanani helped change the outcome with a delivery that allowed Makhanya to find the net.

For Rangers, the result brought a point from a challenging away fixture, although their pursuit of Celtic continued without the ground they had hoped to gain.

For Bouanani, meanwhile, the late assist provided another positive moment as he continues to settle into life in Scottish football.