Nigerian duo of Joe Aribo and Calvin Bassey were in combined 172 minutes action for Rangers against German side RB Leipzig in the Europa semi- final first leg on Thursday as the homers ran away with a lone goal victory.
The duo who had earlier been tipped to rattle their opponents alongside inform Ryan Kent, fought but could not stop their hosts from snatching a victory following a brilliant strike from Angelino.
Aribo and his teammates were pushing for a goalless draw before Angelino grabbed the winner in the 85th minute.
Rangers overcame a 1-0 first leg defeat against Braga in the last round and will look for another tumultuous night at Ibrox to see them through to their first European final in 14 years. The loss on Thursday is considered slim and Rangers are optimistic they can post table turning performance at the return leg at the Ibrox.
Rangers manager Giovanni van Bronckhorst is backing his players to turn their Europa League semi-final tie around.
“I thought we were well organised and didn’t give many chances away.
“It’s always disappointing when you lose a game so late but the players played really well.
“We know what to do next week, we play at home and are sure Ibrox will give us the energy to give everything.
“I think we had an overall good display, of course next week we have to win so we have to make sure we’re going to attack them at the right moments.
“A 1-0 defeat away from home in Europe, we can overcome that and Ibrox will give us the energy.”
The return leg at the Ibrox takes place May 5
