Rangers player ratings vs Aberdeen: Dynamic 8/10 winger lights up Hampden as late show seals final berth

A dramatic late winner from Ryan Naderi broke Aberdeen's stubborn resistance to seal a 1-0 victory for Rangers at Hampden Park, booking their place in the Premier Sports Cup Final on December 13.

The first half was a scrappy, low-quality affair as Stephen Robinson’s depleted Aberdeen side successfully frustrated their Glasgow rivals. Setting up in a deeply resilient low block, the Dons restricted the Ibrox side to just a single shot on target before the interval.

But Rangers emerged with significantly more attacking intent in the second half, with Badredine Bouanani acting as the primary livewire. Striker Kevin Kelsy missed a golden opportunity when he somehow headed the Algerian’s pinpoint cross wide from six yards out.

Moments later, Bouanani danced his way into a crowded penalty box and struck a low effort inches wide of the target. before Aberdeen goalkeeper Marius Müller was then called into action, making key stops to deny Nico Raskin’s on two separate occasions in quick succession.

Aberdeen looked a threat on rare counter-attacks, with captain Kevin Nisbet seeing an effort crucially blocked out by Olwethu Makhanya in the closing stages. And moments later, with just seven minutes left on the clock, the deadlock was finally broken.

From the resulting Aberdeen corner, Kevin Kelsy initiated a rapid breakaway up the pitch, feeding the ball to Bouanani. The winger’s cross was hacked clear before the ball found James Penrice, whose low cross picked out the unmarked Naderi to side-foot past Müller for his eighth goal of the season.

Aberdeen threw bodies forward in stoppage time but could not find a way to goal as Rangers stood firm to move them within 90 minutes of ending a three-year wait for silverware.

Here’s how we rated the Rangers players at Hampden...

GK - Ivor Pandur (6/10)

Pushed away Guinness-Walker's angled shot midway through the first-half. Down sharply to his right to save from Nisbet after the break.

RB: Dujon Sterling (6/10)

Misjudged a first-half header, resulting in the ball sliding against his arm but VAR opted not to intervene. Booked for a lazy tackle on Guinness-Walker. Linked up effectively with Bouanani, particularly in the second half.

CB: Emmanuel Fernandez (5/10)

Fortunate to keep his place in the XI after coming in for more criticism following a few hairy moments vs Hearts. Shook off an early injury scare. Produced a pinpoint long diagonal ball to set up a chance for Naderi. Caught out of position a few times and hobbled off in the closing stages.

CB: Olwethu Makhanya (7/10)

Rangers standout summer signing continues to impress, producing another commanding shift. Crucial block to deflected Nisbet's second half chance behind for a corner.

LB: Tuur Rommens (5/10)

Occupied his favoured position, allowing Penrice to play higher up the pitch. Not able to influence much going forward Subbed after 65 minutes.

CM: James Penrice (6/10)

Slotted into midfield again to accommodate Rommens at left-back, but was pushed wider as the opening 45 mins progressed and not able to provide enough of a creative spark. Limped off shortly after the restart but was able to continue. Eventually dropped back into his usual left-back role and supplied the pass for Naderi to turn home.

CM: Nico Raskin (6/10)

Slack in possession on occasions, playing too many tight passes that got his team-mates into trouble. Escaped a booking for catching Aremu with a high boot. Improved after the interval and drew a flashy fingertip save from Muller.

CAM: Ryan Naderi (7/10)

Had an early crack at goal but his shot flew wide of the target before hooking another effort over the bar after being picked out by Fernandez. Headed inches over the crossbar late in the first half. Came within a whisker of connecting with Bouanani's shot on the slide after the break. Timed his run to perfection to slot home unmarked for the match-winner. A tireless shift.

RW: Badredine Bouanani (8/10)

Rangers' chief tormentor. Given the nod to start over Gassama and looked really sharp in the early stages, whipping in a few threatening crosses. Forced Muller into a smart first-half save. Fizzed a raking low drive inches past the post after the break. Excellent ball to pick out Kelsy before whistling another effort inches wide. Subbed.

LW: Kim Min-su (6/10)

The South Korean came close to breaking his scoring duck by flashing a first-half effort inches past the post. Sliced an effort wide from a promising position just before half-time. Always keen drop into central pockets of space. Tested Muller with a low strike. Subbed.

CF: Kevin Kelsy (6/10)

Headed an early corner wide at the back post. Unable to test the keeper from a tight angle after sliding in to reach a deflected cross. Passed up a gilt-edged chance when glancing a free header wide from Bouanani's delivery. Sparked the counter-attack that led to Naderi's match-winner. Subbed.

Rangers subs

Dan Neil - Introduced for Rommens. First contribution was a half-volley that deflected narrowly over the bar. Involved in the build-up to Naderi's goal. 5

Djeidi Gassama - Replaced Minsu. Drifted into some dangerous areas. 3

Tochi Chukwuani - A late runout, replacing Kelsy. N/A

Findlay Curtis - Not on long enough to make find his stride. N/A

Ben Godfrey - Helped see the game out. N/A