89th-minute hero! South African defender rescues Rangers with his first goal. VIDEO

Olwethu Makhanya chose the perfect moment to open his Rangers account.

Details: The 22-year-old South African defender scored his first goal for Rangers in the 89th minute of Wednesday's Scottish Premiership clash against Hearts. With the Glasgow giants trailing 2-1 at Tynecastle, Makhanya rose highest to meet Badredine Bouanani's free-kick, sending a looping header into the far corner off the post to secure a dramatic 2-2 draw.

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Rangers had opened the scoring through Kevin Kelsy in the 16th minute, but the hosts completely turned the game around after the break. Claudio Braga equalised in the 48th minute before Calvin Miller fired Hearts ahead just nine minutes later.

However, Makhanya had other ideas. The South African international delivered his crucial equaliser with just one minute of normal time remaining. Rangers even had a golden opportunity to snatch all three points in stoppage time, but Dujon Sterling's close-range attempt was saved by Hearts goalkeeper Beau Reus.

The result leaves Rangers second in the Scottish Premiership, four points behind leaders Celtic and four points ahead of Hearts. The Edinburgh club also extended their unbeaten home league run to 26 matches.

It's worth noting that Makhanya joined Rangers from Philadelphia Union in the summer of 2026, signing an initial four-year contract with an option for another season. The defender previously represented South African side Stellenbosch before moving to MLS in 2023.

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