Rangers and Celtic Meet at Ibrox with Hampden Semi-Final Spot at Stake
Rangers can clinch a Hampden Park semi-final place when Celtic visit Ibrox for Sunday’s Premier Sports Cup quarter-final, with the draw for the last four set to follow the final whistle.
Hearts, Hibernian and Aberdeen — despite finishing their tie with 10 men — have already secured the other three semi-final berths ahead of the Glasgow derby. The semi-finals are scheduled for late October.
Makhanya ready for first derby
Olwethu Makhanya is preparing for his first experience of the fixture after making a fast impact following his summer move from MLS football. The 22-year-old South African centre-back has quickly become a regular in Derek McInnes’ side.
Rangers will have Ibrox entirely behind them after an SPFL decision barred travelling Celtic supporters from the match. Makhanya believes the home backing can help drive the team through a high-pressure cup tie.
- Makhanya arrived in Glasgow this summer and established himself in the starting XI.
- He has formed an emerging central-defensive pairing with Emmanuel Fernandez, while communication with Fernandez, James Penrice and Dujon Sterling has helped him settle quickly.
- Rangers have won their past four matches and allowed only one goal during that run.
- Wednesday’s late 1-0 victory over St Mirren added further belief ahead of Celtic’s visit.
- Victory on Sunday would send Rangers to Hampden, with the semi-final draw taking place immediately afterwards.
Belief and unity
Makhanya said he had expected to cope with the standard in Scotland before completing his move. “I had confidence before coming here that I could play at this level,” he said. “I am not shocked by how things have gone because I believed I could succeed. There is a strong understanding between Fernandez and me defensively.”
The defender cited the St Mirren win as evidence of a squad developing resilience. Rangers continued pressing for a breakthrough before scoring late, and Makhanya believes the group’s work away from the pitch has strengthened its response in difficult moments.
“We kept creating opportunities and pushed on until the goal came near the end,” he said. “That says plenty about the mentality and character in this team. We have to perform our roles because the supporters will be with us.”
Makhanya wants every member of the squad, including those starting on the bench, to remain together for the derby. His immediate focus is simple: shut out the outside noise, deal with his defensive responsibilities and help Rangers turn recent momentum into a major win over Celtic.
