Rogers Mato Scores as Hearts Reach Cup Semi-Finals 

Uganda Cranes forward Rogers Mato scored as Hearts beat Stenhousemuir 3-0 to reach the Premier Sports Cup semi-finals. 

Mato scored Hearts’ second goal at Ochilview Park after JJ Williams had broken the deadlock. Substitute Yan Dhanda added the third during the second half, confirming a comfortable quarter-final victory and sending the Edinburgh club to Hampden.

The Ugandan started on the left side of the attack and repeatedly troubled the hosts with his pace, movement and direct running. His performance provided another encouraging sign for Ugandan supporters following his growing influence at club and international level.

Stenhousemuir vs Hearts Match Details

Mato Drives Hearts Forward

Hearts head coach Wouter Vrancken made six changes to the team that defeated Dundee, bringing Mato, Williams, Christian Borchgrevink, Harry Milne, Sabri Guendouz and Sabah Kerjota into the starting line-up.

The visitors immediately showed their attacking intentions. Tomas Magnusson crossed for Guendouz inside the opening minute, but the resulting header went over Darren Jamieson’s goal. Stenhousemuir responded when Kinlay Bilham escaped the offside line before shooting over from inside the penalty area.

Mato became increasingly influential as Hearts established control. Around the half-hour mark, Magnusson held possession inside the box and released the Ugandan down the left. Mato beat his marker and delivered a floated cross, although Williams directed his free header into Jamieson’s hands.

Williams Breaks the Deadlock

Hearts’ pressure produced the opening goal five minutes later. Guendouz’s cross was initially headed away, but Stuart Findlay returned the ball into the area. Magnusson controlled it before Williams reacted quickest and finished from close range.

Guendouz advanced towards the defensive line and played Mato into space. The Uganda Cranes attacker carried the ball into the penalty area before striking powerfully beyond Jamieson to double Hearts’ advantage before half-time.

That combination of speed, composure and movement made his display valuable for Hearts and ensured the Ugandan remained central to the most important attacking moments of the tie throughout the night.

Mato Denied a Second Goal

Hearts continued looking for opportunities after the interval, with Mato remaining one of their most dangerous players. He almost scored again after approximately an hour when he attacked Guendouz’s corner and guided a strong header towards the bottom corner.

Jamieson reacted well and used his leg to keep the effort out. The save denied Mato a brace but underlined his threat from different situations. He had already created from wide areas and scored with a direct run before testing the goalkeeper in the air.

Mato’s evening ended in the 72nd minute when Calvin Miller replaced him. By then, the Ugandan had played an important role in establishing the lead that carried Hearts towards the last four.

Dhanda Completes the Victory

The third goal arrived with about 15 minutes remaining following a flowing Hearts move. Borchgrevink supplied a cross towards the far post, Williams knocked the ball down, and Dhanda finished into the empty net.

Jordi Altena nearly added a fourth late in the game, but Jamieson pushed his low attempt around the post. Hearts ultimately settled for three goals, another clean sheet and a controlled passage into the semi-finals.

According to the official Hearts match report, the result extended the team’s unbeaten run to nine matches. The Jambos can now prepare for a semi-final appearance at Hampden Park.

Why Mato’s Performance Matters to Uganda

Mato’s goal strengthens his case for regular club minutes and offers encouragement to Uganda Cranes supporters. Playing and contributing in important knockout matches can help sharpen his confidence before future international assignments.

The forward joined Hearts from North Macedonian club FK Vardar. When Hearts announced the transfer in January 2026, the club described him as a fast, attack-minded player capable of troubling opposing defences. His performance against Stenhousemuir reflected that profile.

Consistency will remain the next challenge. One strong cup display does not guarantee a starting position, but performances of this quality can give a player a stronger claim when the coach selects future teams.

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Conclusion

Rogers Mato seized his opportunity as Hearts eliminated Stenhousemuir from the Premier Sports Cup. His powerful first-half finish placed the Jambos in control after Williams’ opener, before Dhanda sealed the 3-0 win.

The Ugandan’s pace, creativity and goal threat made him one of the contest’s standout performers. Hearts are heading to Hampden and, after another productive appearance, Mato has given both his club and Uganda Cranes followers another reason for optimism.