Kelechi Iheanacho has shared his delight online after scoring a dramatic late winner for Celtic against Kilmarnock on his debut.
The 28-year-old was brought off the bench for Daizen Maeda and initially missed a golden chance from close range. But when a late VAR check awarded Celtic a penalty for handball against Lewis Mayo, Iheanacho stepped up with ice-cold composure to lash the ball into the top corner.
His calm finish sparked wild celebrations among the travelling support and was the perfect way to mark his first appearance in green and white. It also eased pressure on Brendan Rodgers, whose side had looked set to drop points after David Watson’s late header cancelled out Maeda’s opener.
After the game, Iheanacho took to Instagram to share his thoughts on the win. In his post, he spoke of the battle Celtic faced, praised the backing of the supporters and celebrated the three points that ensured his debut ended on the perfect note.
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The reaction from fans online has been hugely positive, with many hailing Iheanacho’s confidence to take responsibility in such a high-pressure moment. Some supporters even drew comparisons with past strikers who announced themselves at Celtic with memorable debut goals.
Rodgers was equally pleased with his new forward, noting the importance of such a moment for a player still building sharpness after arriving the day after the transfer window closed. Iheanacho’s penalty could prove a turning point in Celtic’s season, giving the squad a fresh attacking option as fixtures come thick and fast.
With Celtic struggling in recent weeks to turn dominance into goals, Iheanacho’s arrival, and his instant impact, comes at just the right time. His message on social media highlights both his gratitude and his determination to make a mark at the Hoops this season.
