Ryan Naderi Sends Rangers Into Premier Sports Cup Final With Win Over Aberdeen

Ryan Naderi emerged as the hero for Rangers, scoring a late goal to break the deadlock and secure a 1-0 victory over Aberdeen to book a spot in the Premier Sports Cup final at Hampden Park. Naderi timed his run perfectly with nine minutes remaining to convert a low shot into the area from James Penrice.

Aberdeen put up a stubborn defensive display, frustrating Derek McInnes's side for the majority of the match. Despite dominating possession, Rangers struggled to find rhythm during the first half, failing to register a shot on target until late in the opening period while allowing Aberdeen several dangerous counter-attacking opportunities.

The Dons had a golden opportunity to take the lead fourteen minutes from time when a swift counter-attack put captain Kevin Nisbet through on goal. However, Nisbet delayed his shot, allowing defender Olwethu Makhanya to make a crucial defensive block and keep the game scoreless.

Naderi capitalized shortly afterward, reading the play and reacting to a short pass from Dan Neil that led to Penrice's low effort. The Czech internationalist slotted home his eighth goal of the campaign from close range, dealing a heavy blow to Stephen Robinson's defensive game plan.

Speaking to RangersTV after the match, Naderi expressed his excitement about reaching the final. "It's amazing. I'm just happy I can be the one who scores those goals," Naderi said, adding, "In the end, it's a team effort. I can only score them because of the work my teammates put in."

Manager Derek McInnes praised the resilience of his squad but acknowledged that the team needs to display greater consistency and fluid play moving forward. Rangers will return to Hampden Park next month to face either Hearts or Hibernian in the final.