The Norwegian defender earned the Cottagers a point with a last-gasp equaliser when he rose highest to head home a free-kick from Danny Murphy with just seconds remaining.
Marc Albrighton's 42nd-minute strike looked to have given Villa a vital win when he latched on to a sensational cross-field pass from Barry Bannan to finish in style.
But Hangeland stole the show in the fourth minute of stoppage time much to the delight of Hughes.
He told Sky Sports: "We found it quite difficult in that second half. We were one goal down and Villa looked a threat on the break.
"But in fairness, we kept on probing and kept on asking questions, kept on trying to do the right things.
"We didn't ask enough questions in the second-half, in terms of balls into the box, but the one ball we did produce brought us the goal and we are thankful for that.
"At that late stage you are thinking the game is lost and it has gone beyond you. We got something out of the game so we are pleased.
"We have got to be pleased with the point."
Hughes was disappointed striker Andrew Johnson could not take his chance after coming on as a second half substitute.
He added: "Andrew looked bright. I just felt we needed to stretch the game. We kept going and that is the positive we will take from it.
"It was a shame Andy couldn't take his opportunity, but it's only a matter of time before he gets up the level we know he can achieve.
"He showed once again he still has that awareness. But credit to Brad (Friedel) who came out very quickly and closed his angle down. It was good play all round."
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