Yousef Chermiti’s long-awaited first goal for Rangers may prove to be more than just a stat on the scoresheet. It arrived at a critical moment, not only helping seal a 3–1 win over Kilmarnock, but also signalling the beginning of a confidence restoration project that new head coach Danny Röhl is making central to his Rangersn rebuild.
After a stinging European defeat to Brann in which Chermiti’s confidence and body language were widely questioned, the Portuguese striker entered against Kilmarnock as a substitute needing a moment.
He delivered one. His effort from range was parried by Eddie Beach but spun into the net, prompting a release of emotion in his celebration.
Speaking afterward, Chermiti was understated but clearly relieved.
“It was an important day for me, my first goal as a Rangers player. It was a good game from everyone,” he said.
“I just took a touch and then just banged it.”
There was joy too, made more meaningful by the presence of his family.
He explained: “Yeah, my mum’s here and my sister as well.
“I like it in Glasgow. Everyone is helping me on the training ground.”
Chermiti’s tone reflected relief more than swagger, and the celebration spoke to a player who has been carrying pressure.
Röhl acknowledged just how important that moment could be, particularly for a young forward whose confidence had appeared fragile.
He said: “It was a good step, a small step but we saw today what is possible.
“He still has to improve some things, but now we must improve the self-confidence of the players.”
Röhl highlighted not just Chermiti’s goal, but his contribution in link-up play and pressing, praising the broader movement of a front line that included Danilo, also back among the goals, and Derek Cornelius, who scored early on.
“I saw some good individual steps forward,” Röhl added, pointing to the striker’s willingness to work off the ball as a sign of growth within his system.
The new head coach has repeatedly spoken about rebuilding unity, confidence, and togetherness after the Brann loss exposed psychological frailty.
In that context, Chermiti’s goal is symbolic: a once isolated, uncertain figure stepped off the bench and visibly reconnected with the team and the support.
Importantly, Röhl insists this is just the beginning: “This was a small step, not more.
“We want to keep lifting confidence and show again the next step on Wednesday.”
Chermiti echoed that message: “Now we’re just looking forward to the next game.
“We’re going to try to win more games and that’s it.”
The goal may not erase weeks of criticism, but it marks a turning point. For Chermiti, it could be the moment belief returns.
For Röhl, it may be proof that momentum, like confidence, is built one small step at a time.
And for Rangers, it was a rare moment recently where progress didn’t feel hypothetical – it felt visible after three long months of regression and frustration.