Rabbi Matondo scored a screamer on his Hanover debut after clearing his Rangers ‘obstacles’.
Matondo brought to an end a largely frustrating Gers spell by signing on loan for the Bundesliga side, with an option to make it permanent, last week.
The winger showed flashes of what he can do with his pace and occasional finishing technique, but was never able to put it all together consistently.
He had plenty of interest from the English Championship, a previous switch to Coventry City collapsing, and abroad.
But Hanover were delighted to be the ones to land him, with club chief Marcus Mann branding Matondo ‘exceptional’ after securing the signing.
Rangers would be set to make a £2m loss on Matondo if the permanent deal goes through, after signing him for £3m and giving Hanover a £1m option.
Matondo scores Hanover debut screamer
Rangers fans thought it was the most inevitable thing ever when they noticed Matondo had scored a screamer on his Hanover debut.
The side sixth in the Bundesliga secured a 2-2 away draw against Hamburg but it could have been so much better as the ex-Gers man actually thought he’d won them the points.
Matondo picked up the ball wide on the left and jinked past two players on his way into the box, then aiming a strike across the goalkeeper that had him beaten all ends up. It wasn’t too dissimilar to his memorable goal against Celtic.
But just five minutes later, Jean-Luc Dompe equalised again to make it a share of the spoils.
Matondo claims Rangers ‘obstacles’
Matondo took to social media to thank his new fans after the game and talk about his memorable debut.
But he also made a claim about “obstacles” that have been put in his way at Ibrox.
The Wales international looked like he could have a strong season with a double in the 6-0 thumping of Ross County but his form dipped again and he has been in and out of Philippe Clement’s team.
He said: “Shame not to get all 3 points in the end but great support from the travelling fans. See you all next week.”
“On a personal note, delighted to get my first minutes & goal in @hannover96 colours. Great moment for me and my family.
“It’s been a tough season so far not gonna lie with all types of obstacles thrown my way but I guess that’s life at times.
“This is why I trust God to guide me through all the good and bad. God’s timing is always perfect.”
