EDINGURGH. Rogers Mato reported sore calves after his evening ended prematurely during Hearts’ 2-2 draw with Rangers on Wednesday.
The Uganda international started at left-back at Tynecastle Park but departed shortly after the half-hour mark following medical attention.
His withdrawal raised concerns ahead of Uganda’s November 14 Africa Cup of Nations Qualifier meeting with Botswana, although Mato remained optimistic about his fitness.
“My calves are sore, I couldn’t stretch it any more because it would have been bad if I did,” Mato said.
“But we will check with physios and see what they say., though I feel good.”
Further assessment will establish the extent of the problem, with no confirmed recovery timeline following his early substitution.
Mato makes an early impression
Before his withdrawal, Mato looked comfortable in his defensive assignment, combining attacking ambition with awareness of his positioning.
His first touch produced Hearts’ opening goal attempt in the 2nd minute, signalling his willingness to push forward.
The Ugandan regularly advanced during attacks and instructed teammates, showing confidence despite playing outside his usual forward role.
Mato explained that adapting to different positions required a change in mentality and understanding of his responsibilities.
“You have to change your mentality to fit in the team depending on where the coach puts you, what role you are playing and what you have to give the team in that role.”
Rangers took the lead after 15 minutes when Kevin Kelsy punished Laurent Mendy’s loss of possession near the penalty area.
Kelsy’s fine finish left Hearts chasing the game, before Mato’s discomfort forced an additional adjustment to their first-half plans.
Mato went down near the edge of Rangers’ penalty area in the 29th minute and received medical attention.
The medical team signalled that he could not continue, with Stephen Kingsley replacing him as he walked off.
Mato registered 13 touches, 1 shot and 1 key pass in the 33 minutes he was on the pitch.
He completed four of five passes for 80% accuracy, won both his recorded duels and made two clearances.
His duel successes comprised one aerial contest and one ground contest, while his overall performance received a 6.5 rating.
Hearts fight back before late Rangers equaliser
Hearts recovered after the interval, with Claudio Braga forcing home Malachi Fagan-Walcott’s header to equalise in the 48th minute.
Calvin Miller completed the turnaround in the 57th minute, producing a sublime finish to put the home side ahead.
The hosts held that advantage until the closing stages, when Rangers found a response through a dangerous set-piece.
Olwethu Makhanya made it 2-2 in the 88th minute, converting from Badredine Bouanani’s free-kick to deny Hearts victory.
For Mato, attention now turns to his recovery and the prospect of being available for Uganda’s meeting with Botswana.
“I hope all is well and nothing is serious, but I hope I will be ready to face Botswana, Insha’Allah.”
His optimism offers encouragement, with the medical assessment set to clarify his availability for both club and country.