AFCON 2025
Nigerian forward Cyril Dessers followed up his wonder goal against Manchester United last week, with a fine assist as Rangers defeated Royale Union SG 2-1 to seal automatic qualification into the Europa League knockout round.
This was a must-win match, and Philippe Clement’s men delivered, starting strong with a James Tavernier free-kick that Dessers headed over.
Tavernier’s pinpoint cross from the left found Nicolas Raskin, who headed Rangers in front. Union SG thought they’d equalized with a free-kick, but VAR ruled it out for offside.
Dessers was denied by VAR again just before halftime as he continued to pose a serious threat.
After the break, Dessers drove at the Union SG defense and cut the ball back to Václav Černý, who slotted it home.
Kevin Mac Allister’s looping header in the 83rd minute made it a nervy finish, but Rangers held on to qualify for the round of 16.
The loss dropped Union SG to 20th, forcing them into the play-off round.
