Uganda Cranes Star Rogers Mato shines as Hearts edge Rapid Wien on penalties
Mato was introduced at the start of extra time, replacing Blair Spittal, and immediately made his presence felt.
Mato celebrates with Heart of Midlothian FC teammates. Courtesy photo
Uganda Cranes forward Rogers Mato made two crucial contributions as Heart of Midlothian FC booked a place in the league phase of this season’s UEFA Conference League after defeating Austrian side SK Rapid Wien on penalties on Wednesday night.
Mato was introduced at the start of extra time, replacing Blair Spittal, and immediately made his presence felt.
The former KCCA FC and Proline FC striker set up Calvin Miller, whose left-footed volley in the 100th minute put Hearts 2-1 ahead on the night and 4-3 up on aggregate.
However, Rapid Wien struck late through Nenad Cvetković in the 119th minute to level the tie at 2-2 and 4-4 on aggregate, sending the contest to penalties.
Mato confidently converted his spot kick as Hearts won the shootout 4-3, with Dutch goalkeeper Beau Reus emerging as the hero after saving two penalties.
Hearts showed remarkable resilience after playing away from home with 10 men for nearly 44 minutes following Tómas Bent Magnússon’s sending off in the 74th minute.
Ercan Kara had earlier given the hosts the lead early in the first half before Landry Kabore equalised for Hearts late in the 80th minute. Miller restored the Scottish side’s advantage in extra time, only for Cvetković to force penalties.
Mato’s contribution in such a crucial fixture underlined his growing influence at Hearts as he continues to settle and earn the trust of coach Wouter Vrancken. His progress will also encourage Cranes head coach Paul Put as he continues his plans for the 2027 Pamoja Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) which Uganda, Kenya and Tanzania will co-host next year between June and July.