Rangers forward Fashion Sakala played a vital role in the second half turnaround during the Old Firm derby yesterday.
The Zambian international provided the assist for Ryan Kent‘s equaliser, whilst he won the penalty for James Tavernier to put the home side 2-1 up.
Although Celtic did peg the Gers back late on, it was still an outstanding performance from Sakala and his teammates after a difficult first 45 minutes. Fans on Twitter were delighted with the forward’s impact on the game:
Sakala dragged us back from 1-0 down to 2-1 and gave everything needs a run of games
— Bradley 🇬🇧 (@RfcBradley) January 2, 2023
He’s a great example of how just being brave and direct can help you in these sorts of games rather than being technically perfect
— markbot (@markbot14) January 2, 2023
I was calling for him to be subbed. He’s shut me right up.
— Fezza (@FezzaRFC) January 2, 2023
He’s absolutely brilliant (as long as he doesn’t need to kick the ball).
— Iain Torbet (@Torbey1320) January 2, 2023
Beale had him in the lineup for his pace to press Celtic but it's his pace on the attack that has caused issues for Celtic. We needed someone with pace to pair with Ryan Kent for ages.
— Ryan King (@RKING90210) January 2, 2023
P.s
How did Beale equip sakala with that first touch
— CJ (@cjnovo992) January 2, 2023
I have to say, I thought Sakala was absolutely brilliant all game today, 100% my MOTM
— Rhys Brown (@rhysbrown1307) January 2, 2023
I wish Sakala could play like that every week
— . (@LundstramLoyall) January 2, 2023
Sakala is an extremely frustrating player to watch at times. His inconsistency in possession makes him unpredictable and he is equally capable of the sublime and the ridiculous.
Yesterday afternoon, we saw the very best that the 25-year-old has to offer, but supporters very rarely see it from him, week in and week out. The big question now is whether he can maintain that standard when Rangers take on Dundee United at Tannadice next weekend.