Europa League: Kelechi Iheanacho Scores As Celtic Hold Red Star To 1-1 Draw
2 min read
By Sportsgister
Nigeria international Kelechi Iheanacho was once again on target for Celtic, scoring in their 1-1 draw away to Red Star Belgrade in Wednesday’s UEFA Europa League group stage opener.
The Super Eagles forward has been in a rich vein of form for the Scottish champions. Over the weekend, he provided an assist in Celtic’s emphatic 4-0 League Cup victory over Partick Thistle. Just before that, he netted a dramatic stoppage-time penalty to secure a league win against Kilmarnock.
At the Marakana Stadium, Iheanacho was introduced at the start of the second half and wasted little time in making an impact. In the 55th minute, Swedish midfielder Benjamin Nygren dribbled past his marker on the right flank before threading a clever pass into the box. Iheanacho’s first touch was exquisite, and his composed finish sent the travelling Celtic fans into jubilation.
However, Red Star responded 10 minutes later. From a corner kick, the ball was flicked towards the back post and squared across goal, where Marko Anautović was on hand to bundle it past the goalkeeper and restore parity.
Iheanacho nearly doubled his tally in the 72nd minute after being played through inside the penalty area, but Red Star’s goalkeeper produced a brave stop to deny him.
The draw leaves Celtic sitting ninth in the Europa League group standings after the first round of fixtures. Still, Iheanacho’s sparkling form will be welcome news for Nigeria head coach Finidi George, with the Super Eagles preparing for crucial 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifying matches against Lesotho and Benin Republic next month.
The 27-year-old, formerly of Manchester City and Leicester City, was absent from Nigeria’s squad during the recent qualifiers against Rwanda and South Africa but has now played himself back into contention.
Sedara Philip is a Sports writer, an administrator,Journalist,and editor
