Watch Hearts star hit the goal trail on international duty as leveller sparks jubilant scenes
Jambos marksman found the target on international duty
Hearts forward Rogers Mato was on target for Uganda in their 2027 African Cup of Nations qualifier against Tunisia.
The Jambos speedster helped his country earn a point on the road at the Hammadi Agrebi Stadium. After darting through the hosts’ defence, Mato was found by right back Nathan Asiimwe. In what was a classic striker’s finish, he proceeded to bring the ball down before finding the bottom left hand corner from a difficult angle. The striker caused jubilant scenes in the away end as Uganda cancelled out Adam Arous’ opener for Tunisia.
The visitors held on for a draw as they kick off their qualification campaign with, what could be a valuable point. Former Jambos defender Tony Sibbick also featured for Uganda, while Celtic winger Sebastian Tounekti started for Tunisia. Thursday night’s stalemate puts Mato over 40 caps for his country at the age of 22.
Mato on Hearts form
The Hearts hitman didn’t land a plethora of chance last season following his loan switch from FK Vardar in January. However, since his move became permanent in the summer, he’s beginning to find his feet. Mato’s strike against Tunisia marked the third time he’s found the target this season, having scored for the Jambos in Premier Sports Cup fixtures against Inverness Caledonian Thistle and Stenhousemuir.
Under new gaffer Wouter Vrancken, Mato is enjoying being given more freedom at Tynecastle. He said of the Belgian: “He gives you confidence to be yourself. If you're yourself, you have that confidence to go on the pitch and do everything, smash everyone. I think it probably suits my game a little more, yes. If you have someone who trusts in you, no matter what the situation, no matter how many mistakes you make, he will definitely push you again and he gives you the more time.
“I think that is probably one of the biggest things for a footballer, to have someone who trusts in him. Someone to say ‘go on.’ Because no matter how many mistakes you make, he needs you to leave those emotions. You don't have to be emotional. He's always pushing us, and if we make a mistake, to go for it again.”
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