FASHION SAKALA has claimed the Old Firm winner that fired Rangers into the Scottish Cup final with victory over Celtic.
The champions booked their spot in the showpiece fixture against Hearts with a thrilling win at Hampden as they came from behind to end a huge week on the ultimate high.
Rangers looked to be heading for another derby defeat when Greg Taylor opened the scoring just after the hour mark to put Celtic in control.
But a terrific strike from Scott Arfield sent an end-to-end tie into extra time as Giovanni van Bronckhorst’s side had to dig deep just days after their two hour epic against Braga.
Rangers got their rewards in the end as a low cross from Calvin Bassey was turned into the net from just yards out and Joe Hart was left helpless.
Boss Van Bronckhorst admitted afterwards he wasn’t sure who had scored as the ball was diverted in off Carl Starfelt but Sakala was quick to put his name on the strike that clinched a thrilling Old Firm success.
“Yes, it is my goal,” Sakala said with a laugh and smile. “I definitely got the last touch. I was a little unsure at first and there was a bit of a misunderstanding why I didn't celebrate straight away. The players were all running in different directions.
“It was a brilliant feeling to finally get the victory. We have had disappointing results in the last couple of matches against Celtic.
“I’m just happy and so proud of the team because of what we achieved. The most important thing was the victory and we managed to achieve that.
“The managers said quite a lot of things before I went on. The main thing was that he believed in me.
“He said that he was taking off Roofe as he needed a rest but that he had belief in my qualities.
“I think one of the reasons the manager made the change was my speed. Because there were a lot of tired bodies he wanted to use my speed.
“They looked a bit tired and that is why we made the change. This is one of my best moments in football.”
Rangers went into the Old Firm clash on the back of a magnificent and memorable European encounter that saw them overcome Braga and set up a semi-final showdown with RB Leipzig later this month.
Now the champions have Scottish Cup silverware firmly in their sights as they prepare to face Robbie Neilson’s side at Hampden and bid to lift the cup for the first time since 2009.
Sakala played his own part in a famous win off the bench as he replaced Kemar Roofe just minutes before the goal that clinched the victory.
And the Zambian was delighted to see Rangers’ efforts rewarded as Van Bronckhorst’s side rose to the derby occasion and produced a stunning showing to leave Celtic defeated and deflated.
Sakala said: “It was beautiful at the end to share the moment with the fans.
“We always try to give something back to them because they are always there for us even in the bad moments. We so much wanted to give them the victory.
“It was brilliant. We had a game against Braga three days ago and another 120 minutes here.
“We didn't have any time to rest but we were still going strong.
“We still have hopes [of competing on three fronts] and we want to try and get back to the top of the table.
“Hopefully this game will have special meaning for the club and the fans.”
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