Kelechi Iheanacho made himself an instant Celtic hero with a dramatic late penalty to seal a 2-1 victory over Kilmarnock at Rugby Park.
The Nigerian international, signed as a free agent after the transfer window closed, stepped up in the dying minutes after VAR intervened to penalise Lewis Mayo for handball. His perfect spot-kick sparked wild celebrations in the Chadwick Stand, where hundreds of Celtic fans had staged a delayed entry protest against the board, leaving the section half-empty until the 12th minute.
Until that late twist, it looked like points would be shared. Daizen Maeda had opened the scoring with a fine diving header from Marcelo Saracchi’s pinpoint cross — the Japanese forward’s first league goal of the season. But Killie fought back impressively, David Watson rising highest to thump home a header that left Celtic clinging on.
Rodgers’ men had enjoyed plenty of possession but once again struggled for creativity, with debutant Sebastian Tounekti one of the few bright sparks in attack. The Tunisian winger provided flashes of pace and skill, offering hope he could be a genuine difference-maker in the coming weeks.
Killie manager Stuart Kettlewell was left frustrated by the penalty call, insisting his players had been told such incidents would not be punished this season.
The win sends Celtic back to the top of the Premiership table on goal difference, level with Hearts after five matches.
Watch the highlights here:
Next up, the Hoops travel to Firhill to face Partick Thistle in the Premier Sports Cup.
