Media Team
Kelechi Iheanacho marked his Celtic debut with a heroic last-gasp penalty, sealing a thrilling 2-1 comeback victory against Kilmarnock.
The Nigerian forward held his nerve in stoppage time, converting a decisive spot-kick to propel the Hoops back to the summit of the Scottish Premiership amidst growing unrest among supporters.
Disgruntled fans made their frustrations known by staying out of Rugby Park for the first 12 minutes, protesting the club’s quiet transfer window and their Champions League elimination against Kairat Almaty.
Daizen Maeda temporarily eased tensions with a clinical diving header from Marcelo Saracchi’s inch-perfect cross—his first goal in five months. But Kilmarnock fought back, leveling late through David Watson’s towering header from a corner.
Just as the match seemed destined to end in a draw, VAR intervened, spotting a handball by Lewis Mayo. With the clock ticking, Iheanacho, signed as a free agent outside the transfer window, coolly dispatched the penalty to snatch all three points.
“Tonight was about grit and character,” said manager Brendan Rodgers. “After the noise surrounding the club, the players responded brilliantly. Managing those opening minutes was crucial, and they delivered when it mattered most.”
The victory lifted Celtic level on points with Hearts, but the Glasgow giants now lead the league on goal difference as they hunt their third consecutive title.
