Iheanacho’s Last-Gasp Penalty Wins the Day on Celtic Debut

A dream debut for Kelechi Iheanacho as the Nigerian striker converted a 96th-minute penalty to give Celtic a dramatic 2-1 win away at Kilmarnock.

Signed late in the transfer window, Iheanacho came on as a substitute before stepping up in stoppage time to slot home the winner, securing all three points for the Hoops.

David Watson had earlier equalised for Kilmarnock, cancelling out Daizen Maeda’s header that had put Celtic ahead just after the break.

The win moves Celtic back to the top of the Scottish Premiership, raising hopes that Iheanacho’s late heroics could mark the beginning of a new chapter for the club.

Editorial

We were struck by the drama of Iheanacho’s debutbhis composure to step up and deliver when it mattered most was a reminder that moments of pressure often separate good players from great ones. On this occasion, Iheanacho took hold of his moment and turned it into something memorable not just for himself, but for his new club as well.

Celtic’s season has been under intense scrutiny, and there were serious question marks hanging over the team following a poor Champions League exit and fan protests. Iheanacho’s late intervention didn’t just earn a result it provided a timely glimmer of hope that the squad might find a spark. That said, one moment of brilliance will count for little if it isn’t followed by consistency. We felt that if Celtic can build on this result, and if Iheanacho can find his rhythm in this squad, then this could become a turning point.

Yet there are caveats. Iheanacho’s goal came via a penalty awarded through VAR review—a decision that could easily have gone the other way. Relying on VAR drama is rarely a sustainable strategy, and football matches are more often won or lost through sustained pressure and team cohesion. Our sense is that Celtic still need to find greater attacking fluency and defensive solidity if they are to convert moments like this into a run of positive results.

On a personal level, Iheanacho has long carried the weight of expectation both from his days at Manchester City and Leicester City, and from Nigerian fans who have watched as his career has had its peaks and troughs. To make such a big impact on debut at a new club speaks to a player who still has fight and confidence. Now, it’s up to him and the club to turn that into regular, match-winning contributions.

We believe that this debut could signal the beginning of something significant, provided it is followed by consistent performance and belief. Iheanacho’s moment was a statement not just that he can deliver under pressure, but that he may still have untapped potential. This was not just a debut it was an opportunity, and he took it.

Did You Know?

1. Iheanacho’s goal came with virtually the last kick of the match he converted the penalty in added time, deep into stoppage time.
2. The penalty was awarded following a VAR review for a handball by Lewis Mayo, after a shot from James Forrest deflected into his arm.
3. Around half of the Celtic supporters staged a protest by delaying their entry into Rugby Park, choosing not to enter the stadium until the 12th minute to voice discontent with the club’s board.
4. Iheanacho had joined Celtic as a free agent after leaving Sevilla, making the match his competitive debut for the club.
5. Prior to his move to Celtic, Iheanacho had not scored in competitive matches since March 2025, ending a goal drought with his late strike.