Sakala could ‘Fashion’ Rangers chase for a comeback in Europa League

Chipolopolo forward Fashion Sakala and FC Rangers will be in action on Thursday as they look to seal a place in the final of the UEFA Europa League.

The Zambian international is in search of his first goal in the competition. He has made nine appearances in the Competition though playing on a little over 200 minutes.

He is however high on confidence having scored his first Old Firm derby goal over the weekend.

The Zambian forward equalised in the 67th minute at Celtic Park and later hit the post as the Light Blues chased a winner that would put them back in with a realistic chance of mounting a proper title fight.

“It was a very special goal and very important for the team. But I think I could’ve done better for the other chances I had. I can say I tried my best,” Sakala told Sky Sports after the draw with Celtic.

With Alfredo Morelos out injured, Kemar Roofe questionable for the tie, Sakala could lead the attack at Ibrox.

The Scottish champions must overturn a 1-0 first leg deficit in their Europa League semi-final against the Bundesliga side to reach the showpiece occasion in Seville on May 18.

The Germans, RB Leipzig claimed a narrow win last Thursday in the first leg of the Europa League semi-final.

But Rangers have recorded some stunning results this season – the highlight knocking out fellow German giants Borussia Dortmund.

This is Rangers’ first appearance in the UEFA Europa League semi-finals, their three previous participations in the knockout phase having all come to a halt in the round of 16.

In UEFA competition overall this is the Glasgow club’s sixth semi-final, with victories in all of the last four, the latest in the 2007/08 UEFA Cup when they overcame Fiorentina on penalties in Italy after two goalless draws.

Their only semi-final defeat was in their first such tie, in the 1959/60 European Cup, when German side Eintracht Frankfurt overwhelmed them 12-4 on aggregate to prevent them reaching the final at Glasgow’s Hampden Park.

All eyes will be on Ibrox tomorrow night as Rangers attempt to reach a European final. Kick off -21:00.