Hearts 2-2 Rangers: Makhanya’s late header spoils McInnes’s Tynecastle return

Hearts vs Rangers ended 2-2 at Tynecastle as Olwethu Makhanya’s 89th-minute header rescued a point on Derek McInnes’s first return to the ground since leaving for Ibrox.

Kevin Kelsy put Rangers ahead in the 16th minute before Cláudio Braga and Calvin Miller turned the match around after half-time. Makhanya’s late equaliser denied Hearts victory, leaving them four points behind second-placed Rangers.

Sky Sports’ match report details the goals and the dramatic finish.

How Hearts and Rangers drew 2-2

Kelsy opened the scoring after Ryan Naderi’s pass unlocked the Hearts defence, and Rangers took that lead into half-time. Laurent Mendy had headed a first-half chance over for the hosts.

Hearts responded quickly after the break. Braga equalised three minutes into the second half from Malachi Fagan-Walcott’s assist, and Miller put them in front in the 57th minute with a left-footed finish.

JJ Williams sent a late chance wide with Hearts still leading. Makhanya then met Badredine Bouanani’s free-kick in the 89th minute, and Dujon Sterling could have won it for Rangers in stoppage time but directed his effort into Beau Reus’s hands.

Rangers finished with 53% possession. Both sides won four corners, and both goalkeepers made four saves.

Hearts vs Rangers: standout performers

Olwethu Makhanya (Rangers): Headed the 89th-minute equaliser from Bouanani’s free-kick to rescue a point.

Calvin Miller (Hearts): Put Hearts ahead in the 57th minute with a left-footed finish, completing the turnaround before he was replaced in the 78th minute.

Cláudio Braga (Hearts): Equalised three minutes after half-time and threatened again before coming off in the 78th minute.

Badredine Bouanani (Rangers): Tested Reus after coming on in the 54th minute and delivered the free-kick for Makhanya’s equaliser.

Beau Reus (Hearts): Made four saves, including a late stop from Sterling, as Hearts came close to holding on.

Hearts vs Rangers line-ups

Hearts: Reus, Altena, Fagan-Walcott, McCart, Mato, Mendy, Magnússon, Kerjota, Miller, McPake, Braga. Substitutes used: Kingsley (33), Williams (78), Wilson (78), Guendouz (90+1).

Rangers: Pandur, Sterling, Fernandez, Makhanya, Penrice, Neil, Raskin, Kim, Naderi, Gassama, Kelsy. Substitutes used: Bouanani (54), Rommens (63), Chukwuani (84), Curtis (84), Miovski (85).

What comes next for Hearts and Rangers?

Both clubs now turn to League Cup semi-finals at Hampden. Hearts face Hibernian on Sunday, with the opposition’s fitness concerns covered in our Martin Boyle illness update.

Rangers face Aberdeen. Read our Connor Ronan injury update for the Dons’ latest availability news.

Hearts vs Rangers: your questions answered

Who scored in Hearts vs Rangers?

Kevin Kelsy scored for Rangers in the 16th minute. Cláudio Braga and Calvin Miller replied for Hearts in the second half, before Olwethu Makhanya equalised in the 89th minute.

Where are Hearts and Rangers in the table?

Rangers remain second, four points ahead of third-placed Hearts.