‘Blinder’ – Rangers star set for start after goalscoring cameo
Rangers midfielder Bongani Zungu could be set to start for national side South Africa on Monday after impressing off the bench last time out.
Coming on as a 66th minute substitute against Sao Tome and Principe in an African Cup of Nations qualifier, the 28-year-old scored a late headed goal to seal a 2-0 win.
With the Bafana Bafana set to play the same opponents in the reverse fixture on Monday, Zungu looks likely to be given a start.
A statement on the South African Football Association’s website read: “Lyle Lakay is expected to be drafted in his place while Zungu who had a blinder of a game soon after coming on during Friday’s match, is set to earn a starting berth.”
Due to quarantine restrictions, Zungu had to wait a month for his Rangers debut, having arrived at the club on loan from Amiens in October.
Before going on international duty, the midfielder had played just 45 minutes for the club, and boss Steven Gerrard will probably be pleased to see him impressing and getting minutes in his legs.
The South African was very impressive on his Gers debut against Hamilton Academical, displaying his excellent range of passing from deep, and Gerrard will be very aware of not over-working Ryan Jack and Steven Davis.
Both played 120 minutes in dramatic Euro 2020 qualification play-offs and now in their 30s, they will need to have their minutes managed.
Alongside Scott Arfield, Glen Kamara, Joe Aribo and Ianis Hagi, Zungu will be fighting hard for minutes in the Rangers midfield and impressing on international duty can do his chances no harm.
Next up, Rangers face Aberdeen at Ibrox, before their crucial Europa League fixture with Benfica, as they look to bounce back after a dramatic 3-3 draw in Portugal.
In other Rangers news, Ibrox view: What can Bongani Zungu bring to the Rangers midfield?