Kelechi Iheanacho announced himself to the Scottish Premiership in dramatic fashion on Sunday, scoring a stoppage-time penalty on his Celtic debut to seal a 2-1 victory over Kilmarnock at Rugby Park. The result lifted Brendan Rodgers’ side back to the top of the table on goal difference, but the manner of the win was anything but routine.
The afternoon had already been dominated by tension off the pitch, as sections of Celtic supporters staged a 12-minute boycott in protest over a perceived lack of transfer activity and frustration following the club’s early Champions League exit to Kazakhstan’s Kairat Almaty. Yet by the final whistle, the focus was firmly on the Nigerian striker who may prove to be Rodgers’ trump card this season.
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A Match of Protests, Controversy, and High Drama
The visitors looked to have calmed the atmosphere when Daizen Maeda broke the deadlock in the first half. The Japanese forward, struggling for form in recent months, produced a diving header from Marcelo Saracchi’s whipped cross to give the champions the lead. The goal was only his second since April but seemed to settle Celtic after a scrappy opening spell.
Kilmarnock, however, were determined not to be overawed. The hosts absorbed pressure and grew into the contest, pushing Celtic back in search of an equaliser. Their persistence was rewarded in the 83rd minute when David Watson rose highest to nod home Greg Kiltie’s corner, sparking wild celebrations among the home supporters.
With Rugby Park rocking, the momentum appeared to have shifted. Kilmarnock pressed for a winner, and it was the Celtic defence that suddenly looked vulnerable. Just when it seemed Rodgers’ men would have to settle for a draw, the intervention of VAR changed the narrative. A James Forrest effort struck Lewis Mayo inside the box, and after a lengthy review, referee John Beaton pointed to the spot.
The decision left Kilmarnock manager Stuart Kettlewell furious, insisting the incident contradicted recent guidance on handball rulings. “We’ve been told those wouldn’t be given when the ball strikes from such close proximity,” he said afterwards. The Scottish FA later defended the call, explaining that Mayo’s arm had been in an unnatural position, making the offence punishable even after a deflection.
Iheanacho’s Redemption and Rodgers’ Backing
Into this chaos stepped Iheanacho, a late summer signing on a free transfer after leaving Sevilla. Having only been introduced as a substitute 20 minutes earlier, the 28-year-old seized the ball with confidence. Regular penalty taker Arne Engels had been substituted, leaving Iheanacho with the responsibility. With virtually the last kick of the game, he smashed his shot beyond Max Stryjek to secure the points.
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The goal carried personal significance. It was Iheanacho’s first competitive strike since March, when he netted for Middlesbrough in the English Championship. More symbolically, it marked a fresh chapter for a striker whose career has meandered since his early promise at Manchester City and Leicester City, where he scored 61 goals across seven seasons and helped secure the FA Cup in 2021.
The debut was not without a curious subplot: Iheanacho’s shirt had his name misspelled as “Iheancho.” The error sparked amusement on social media but was quickly overshadowed by the decisive goal.
Rodgers, who previously managed Iheanacho at Leicester, was full of praise after the final whistle. “I was really pleased for Kels,” the Celtic boss said. “He’s got big moments in him, and once he gets fitter, he’s only going to get better. That’s what this club is about—the spirit to keep going right until the very end.”
The manager admitted sympathy for Kettlewell over the contentious decision but insisted his team merited the win. “We created the chaos in the box, and we deserved that moment,” he added.
Looking Ahead
For Iheanacho, the debut strike could prove transformative. Known for thriving on confidence, the Nigerian forward has the chance to carve out a starring role in Glasgow. With Celtic chasing a fifth consecutive Premiership crown, his ability to deliver in clutch moments may be decisive in what promises to be a tight title race.
As for the fans, who began the day in protest, they ended it celebrating a new hero. From boycotts and controversy to a last-gasp winner, Iheanacho’s debut had it all—an unforgettable start to life in green and white.