Scottish Premiership: Iheanacho’s Late Penalty Seals Dream Debut for Celtic Against Kilmarnock
2 min read
By Sportsgister
Kelechi Iheanacho enjoyed a dream debut for Celtic on Sunday as his stoppage-time penalty secured a dramatic 2-1 victory over Kilmarnock at Rugby Park in the Scottish Premiership.
The Nigerian forward, who only joined the Hoops on a free transfer two weeks ago, was initially named among Brendan Rodgers’ substitutes as he continued to build match sharpness.
After a cagey first half, Celtic broke the deadlock 10 minutes into the second period. Japanese striker Daizen Maeda rose highest inside the box to nod home a well-measured cross from full-back Marcelo Saracchi, giving the visitors a deserved lead.
Kilmarnock, however, refused to go down without a fight. Their persistence paid off seven minutes from time when David Watson powered in a header past Celtic goalkeeper Joe Hart, sending the home fans into raptures and setting up a tense finale.
Rodgers then turned to Iheanacho, bringing him on for Maeda with 20 minutes left. The Super Eagles striker, full of energy and determination, quickly made his presence felt by pressing the opposition and linking play in the final third.
The defining moment came deep into stoppage time when Celtic were awarded a penalty after a handball inside the Kilmarnock area. Iheanacho, showing no nerves on his debut, stepped up and coolly converted from the spot to snatch all three points for the champions.
The victory keeps Celtic’s title defense on track and immediately endears Iheanacho to the Parkhead faithful, who celebrated wildly as the final whistle confirmed their team’s late triumph.
For Iheanacho, it was the perfect introduction to life in Scotland—arriving as a super-sub and delivering in decisive fashion.
Sedara Philip is a Sports writer, an administrator,Journalist,and editor
