Makhanya earns Rangers a point as Maart scores twice in Austrian Cup defeat

Bafana Bafana defender Olwethu Makhanya scored his first goal for Rangers with an 89th-minute equaliser in their 2-2 Scottish Premiership draw against Hearts at Tynecastle Park.

The 22-year-old centre-back headed in a free-kick from Badredine Bouanani to prevent Hearts claiming victory after Rangers had surrendered a first-half lead.

Kevin Kelsy had put Rangers in front before Claudio Braga and Calvin Miller turned the match around for the hosts. Makhanya’s late intervention secured a point for Rangers and kept them in the Scottish Premiership title race as they continue to chase leaders Celtic.

It was a significant moment in Makhanya’s Rangers career, with the defender scoring when his side needed a result most.

While Makhanya struck late in Scotland, former Kaizer Chiefs midfielder Yusuf Maart scored twice for SV Ried in Austria, although his goals were not enough to prevent defeat by LASK Linz in the Austrian Cup round of 16.

Maart gave Ried the lead in the first half before doubling their advantage in the 77th minute. The former Chiefs captain headed in a delivery from Stefan Schwab to put his side in a strong position to reach the quarter-finals.

LASK, the reigning Austrian Bundesliga champions, fought back late in the match before completing their comeback in extra time. Nigerian forward Moses Usor scored the decisive goal in the 111th minute.

The result denied Maart the reward his individual performance appeared to merit and left Ried to reflect on a missed opportunity after holding a two-goal advantage.

Maart has continued to establish himself at Ried since moving to Austria. He previously made his name in South African football with Amakhosi and Sekhukhune United.

His display against LASK highlighted his goalscoring contribution, despite Ried being unable to protect their lead. The contrasting results provided notable moments for two South African players competing abroad, with Makhanya’s header earning Rangers a point and Maart showing his attacking threat in a losing cause.

Elsewhere, former Orlando Pirates defender Mbekezeli Mbokazi was unavailable for Chicago Fire’s 2-2 draw against Orlando City after serving a one-match suspension.

Mbokazi received his fifth yellow card of the season during Chicago’s 3-2 victory over Atlanta United last Saturday, resulting in an automatic ban.

The defender had started all six matches since returning from a thigh injury, making his absence a setback for the MLS side.