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- Kelechi Iheanacho marked his Celtic debut with a dramatic stoppage-time penalty to secure a 2-1 victory against Kilmarnock
- The Nigerian international joined the Scottish club as a free agent after his release from Spanish club Sevilla this summer
- The 28-year-old came on in the 70th minute and took advantage of a VAR-awarded penalty after a potential handball
Nigerian international Kelechi Iheanacho grabbed a last-minute winner on his debut for Scottish club Celtic on Sunday, September 14.
The Nigerian international joined the outfit as a free agent after deadline day, following his release from Spanish club Sevilla.
Celtic manager Brendan Rodgers had disclosed that the forward would be ready to face Kilmarnock on Sunday and is capable of “special moments” for his new side.
Source: Getty Images
And the 28-year-old did just that as his stoppage-time strike sent the Bhoys top of the Scottish Premiership with 13 points.
After a goalless first half, Daizen Maeda put the visiting Celtic ahead in the 56th minute when he slotted home to silence the home fans.
Kilmarnock restored parity in the 83rd minute, and it was heading for a draw before Iheanacho made the difference.
Colby Donovan weaved his way to the by-line and found James Forrest deep in the Kilmarnock penalty box.
The winger’s shot was blocked by what looked like a handball, and it took some checks by the VAR before Celtic were awarded a penalty, per BBC Sport.
Iheancho, who came on as a substitute in the 70th minute when he replaced Maeda, stepped up and fired straight into the net to win it for his side 2-1.
There was a pitch invasion from visiting fans who were protesting about their own club at the start of the game.
It was Iheanacho’s goal that made the difference, thumping it high and past goalkeeper Max Stryjek.
Rodgers hails Iheanacho
Brendan Rodgers earlier explained why he signed the Nigerian, whom he worked it during their time at English club Leicester City.
Speaking at a press conference ahead of the game, the manager told Celtic TV, as per Daily Post:
“Thankfully at the end of the window there was a player that was available that I know very well.
“Kel was a player that was brilliant for me at Leicester. I only want to take someone here who was robust and he’s a genuine talent.
“And if I can get that out of him again it could be a big plus for us. So we lost Adam. Adam made a really good contribution here.”
Source: Getty Images
Why Iheanacho joined Celtic
Legit.ng earlier reported that the Super Eagles forward, during his first interview with Celtic’s official website, opened up on the reason behind his decision to join the Scottish giants after his brief stint in Spain. He said:
“I’m excited to be a Celtic player, and I’m feeling really good about it. Celtic is a massive club and I’ve been following them for a long time.”
Source: Legit.ng
