Fashion scored the second goal in Glasgow Rangers’ 2-2 home draw with Motherwell in the Scottish Premiership.
Sakala’s goal was his 5th in this fixture, having netted in the previous two meetings between these sides, including a hat-trick back in October last year.
After being an unused substitute in a midweek Europa League encounter, Sakala played like man with a point to prove and worked tirelessly from the kickoff.
His earlier contributions included surging forward runs and dangerously whipped crosses into the box missed by Morelos.
Following a dominant display, Rangers were rewarded with two goals scored in a two-minute interval, 22nd and 24th minute respectively, with Sakala netting the latter.
Sakala’s goal was a beauty. A cross played into the penalty area found the Chipolopolo forward in space. He then struck a one-time low left-footed shot on a half volley into the left corner past the goalie.
Shortly after the goal, a joyous Rangers faithful rung-in the so-called ‘Fashion Sakala Song’:
“Tsamina mina, eh eh,”
“Fashion Jnr, eh eh,”
“Tsamina mina zangalewa,”
“He comes from Zambia!”
[An adaptation of the hit song by Shakira, ‘Waka, Waka’ – the official 2010 World Cup South Africa song sampled from the Cameroonian original ‘Zamina mina, (Zangalewa)’]
Half time came with Rangers clearly on top of proceedings and Motherwell chasing shadows.
Second half
In the second half, Rangers continued where they left off with Sakala proving to be a real threat on the right wing.
The forward was involved in everything that looked creative for the hosts early-on.
He made a clever cut-back before sending the ball in the path of Tavernier, who raced towards goal before seeing his effort well saved by the goalie.
Five minutes into the second half, Sakala embarked on another of his trademark forward surging runs, he tried to cross but keeper swept in.
Against the run of play, Motherwell pulled a goal back in the 52nd minute when Jordan Roberts tapped in a Wooley cross from close at the far post to make it 2-1.
On the 70th minute mark, Sakala found himself in space on the right after a quick counter. But the Chipolopolo forward delayed in releasing the ball and the defender recovered to thwart the attack inside the penalty area.
Motherwell drew level seven minutes later courtesy of Woolery’s low finish which squeezed in between the post and the goalie.
Fashion Sakala was rested in the 83rd minute following a very good shift.
There were chances for either side to claim maximum points, but none could find the back of the net.
Summary
Overall, Sakala gave a very good account this afternoon. One would hope he did enough to cement a place in the starting eleven.
It is no surprise that he is slowly becoming a fan favorite.
Today’s goal was Sakala’s 7th in the Scottish Premiership (and two assists) from 22 appearances, 63% of which have been substitute appearances.
Following the result, Glasgow Rangers remain in second position, 3 points behind log leaders, Celtic.
