Alistair Johnston endured a night to forget for Canada as a stoppage-time mistake allowed Curaçao to snatch a dramatic 1-1 draw in their Gold Cup clash.
The Celtic defender was introduced as a 70th-minute substitute, replacing Niko Sigur, and appeared set for a routine runout after returning to full training earlier in the week.
However, with the match deep into injury time, Johnston misjudged a clearance under pressure, allowing Jeremy Antonisse to pounce and grab a late equaliser.
It was a frustrating moment in what had been a low-key appearance, with Johnston still working his way back to full sharpness after a minor back issue kept him sidelined during Canada’s tournament opener and the recent friendlies against Ukraine and Ivory Coast.
HIGHLIGHTS 🎥
Recap #CanMNT 🇨🇦 vs. Curacao 🇨🇼 in 2025 Concacaf Gold Cup group stage action + recap by @AlexGangueRuzic ✍️
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— OneSoccer (@onesoccer) June 22, 2025
The timing of the error won’t go unnoticed, particularly as Johnston is expected to be a key players for Celtic in the upcoming Champions League qualifiers.
Having managed his fitness carefully since the end of the domestic season, the hope at Lennoxtown will be that this international spell provides valuable minutes without any fresh setbacks.
Canada’s late collapse is a blow to their Gold Cup hopes, but Johnston’s bigger priority remains getting back to full fitness ahead of Brendan Rodgers’ pre-season plans.
With Celtic set to return to action in just over a month, all eyes will be on whether the right-back can steer clear of further issues and get back to the levels that made him a standout in green and white last season.
