Glasgow Rangers of Scotland defender, Leon Aderemi Balogun is still in cloud nine, after scoring a rare goal in action for the Scottish Premiership side, megasportsarena.com reports.
Balogun made hay on Saturday in the 14th minute of his side’s pre-season friendly against Arsenal of England, and the Super Eagles’ star was thrilled all the way.
The goal came on an emotional evening at Ibrox, as Rangers twice threw away the lead to draw 2-2 with Arsenal in the much-talked about friendly and The Gunners remained winless on their tour of Scotland.
Around 2,000 Gers fans returned to the Govan stadium for the first time since coronavirus restrictions began in March 2020, and they cheered widely after Balogun opened scoring with a header from a James Tavernier corner.
Nuno Tavares, the Portuguese left-back signed from Benfica and making his Gunners debut, rifled in a leveller from close range on 22 minutes, before Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, who missed an earlier chance, headed a cross from Cedric Soares wide.
Rangers goalkeeper, Allan McGregor was then called into action to save from Nigerian-born youngster, Folarin Balogun, who is not related to Rangers’ Balogun but, after Jermain Defoe pulled up and limped off to be replaced by Scott Wright.
Later on, Rangers’ Nigerian-born defender, Calvin Bassey cleared a close-range shot from Aubameyang off the line, as the home side struggled for rhythm and maintained the tempo to keep themselves in the game, under intense pressure from The Gunners.
Arsenal, managed by former Gers midfielder, Mikel Arteta, made five interval substitutions, one of which saw the introduction of former Celtic defender Kieran Tierney, while McGregor made saves from Thomas Partey and Emile Smith Rowe as the slick-moving north London side continued to dominate the ball before both sides made a host of changes.
Rangers striker, Cedric Itten headed in a corner from fellow substitute, Glenn Middleton in the 75th minute and another replacement, Stephen Kelly, blasted a shot straight at Arsenal substitute ‘keeper Karl Hein.
However, in the 83rd minute, Arsenal substitute Eddie Nketiah leveled from 10 yards out, after slack defending by the home side and, with the new SPL campaign and UEFA Champions League qualifiers looming, the injury to Defoe will perhaps be more of a worry.
Balogun took to social media after the game, as he admitted his delight in netting at his club’s home ground and he posted: Good to be back at Ibrox with fans and a goal – looking forward to more to come!”
