Rangers retained the Glasgow Cup with a dramatic 5-4 penalty shootout victory over Celtic at Firhill after a tense 1-1 draw in regulation time.
Neraysho Kasanwirjo, making his first appearance since mid-November following a serious knee injury, marked his comeback in style by netting the opener for Rangers.
The Dutch defender, on loan from Feyenoord, pounced on a loose ball in the box which was threaded into his path by Paul Nsio shortly after the half-hour mark and coolly poked beyond the Celtic goalkeeper—his celebration a reflection of the long road back from injury.
The game, while officially a B team contest, carried all the intensity of the Old Firm rivalry, with tackles flying in and both sets of players giving little away.
Celtic responded just before the break when Rhys Dargie steered home a deflected effort from Jude Bonnar to level proceedings.
Kasanwirjo’s night ended at half-time as he was replaced by Jack Wyllie, but the drama continued.
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Dargie thought he had a second on 54 minutes only for the offside flag to deny him, moments after Nsio came close for Rangers at the other end.
Chances fell to Bonnar and Chris Eadie during a frenetic final 30 minutes, but the game was ultimately overshadowed by a lengthy stoppage due to a head injury to Rangers’ Cameron Scott, which led to 16 minutes of additional time.
Celtic pressed hard late on, with Kyle Ure seeing a goalbound effort blocked, but neither side could find a winner in open play.
In the shootout, Aiden McCallion held his nerve in sudden death to seal victory for Rangers, who watched Celtic's Lewis Dobbie fire the decisive penalty wide.
Rangers lift the trophy for the second year running and the 60th time overall after another gripping final.
Final score: Celtic 1–1 Rangers (Rangers win 5–4 on penalties)
