Disappointing Night for Fashion Sakala in Rangers’ loss to Braga.

It was a night to forget for Zambian and Glasgow Rangers forward Fashion Sakala as Rangers lost by 1-0 away at Sporting Braga in a UEFA Europa League quarter-final first-leg encounter.

With Rangers leading goal-scorer in the competition, Alfredo Morelos out injured, Sakala was given the responsibility of supplying the goals.

However, the Chipolopolo Boys striker put in a largely underwhelming display.

In the 62 minutes he was on the pitch, Sakala did not manage a single shot on target nor dribble.    

He missed a big chance in the 4^th minute. A ball fell in his path after Kent’s initial effort was spilled by the keeper. Sakala’s reflex tame left-footed shot towards goal was cleared by the defender.

In the 13^th minute, he showed skill and pace to beat the defender following a long throw but his cross into the box is cleared away for a corner.

As the game went on, the hosts began to impose themselves. First, they rattled the left post in the 24^th minute.

Two minutes later, Braga thought they had taken the lead. An effort inside the box was deflected into net. After VAR rewiew, it was disallowed for a foul on Rangers’ defender, Jack during build-up.

Sakala had a good chance when he was set up by Kent in the 33 min. However, he blazed his shot from outside the box way over when he could have worked the keeper

Braga eventually broke the deadlock five minuets before half-time when Abel Luiz finished a good team move.

The Second half saw few chances with Braga sitting back, while Rangers enjoying possession but lacking creativity in the middle of the park.

Sakala along with Bologun and Jack were withdrawn in the 62^nd minute following a triple substitution by Rangers manager, Giovanni Van Bronckhorst(GVB).

The changes seemed to add a bit of impetus to the midfield but would not influence the match as Sporting Braga held on for a narrow 1-0 win.

Glasgow Rangers still have a lot to play for with the second-leg to follow at the Ibrox next week.

Analysis

Sakala seemed isolated upfront. It was clear that he lacked service. GVB should consider playing Sakala on left side of a front three instead of the central role he was given today. The Chipolopolo forward tends to thrive on the wings with his pace and trickery before cutting-inside. It was in this role that he excelled during his days at Oostende in Belgium. With Alfredo Morelos out injured for the rest of the season, Sakala is expected to start in the return-leg.