Makhanya and Rangers beat Aberdeen to reach Scottish League Cup final

Bafana Bafana defender Olwethu Makhanya is heading to a cup final in Scotland after Rangers beat Aberdeen 1-0 in the Scottish League Cup semi-final on Saturday, according to iDiski Times.

Rangers had to be patient. The only goal arrived in the 83rd minute, scored by Ryan Don Naderi, and it was enough to send the club through to the final.

Another clean sheet with Makhanya in defence

Makhanya played the full 90 minutes as Rangers kept another clean sheet. iDiski Times reported that it was the eighth time the team has not conceded in a match in which the South African has featured.

The semi-final followed a strong run through the competition. Rangers beat their rivals Celtic in the Old Firm derby in the quarter-final, and before that they won 5-1 against St. Mirren in the second round.

The report describes Makhanya as something of a fan favourite at his new club. He has played 16 games for Rangers so far and has scored once, in a 2-2 draw away at Hearts in midweek.

What it means for South African fans

For followers of Bafana Bafana, it is another sign that one of the national team’s defenders is playing regularly at a high level in Europe and contributing to a successful run for his club.

The source report did not give the date of the final or say who Rangers will face, so supporters who want to watch Makhanya in the showpiece should check for official confirmation from the Scottish competition organisers and Rangers once those details are released.

• Result: Rangers 1, Aberdeen 0 (semi-final, Saturday)
• Deciding goal: Ryan Don Naderi, 83rd minute
• Makhanya: played 90 minutes, eighth clean sheet in his appearances for Rangers
• Season so far: 16 games and one goal for the club

This story is based on reporting by iDiski Times.