Iheanacho’s last minute penalty secures dramatic victory for Celtic

Kelechi Iheanacho came off the bench to emerge as the hero for Celtic FC after converting a stoppage-time penalty to hand them a 3-2 victory over Motherwell in the Scottish Premiership on Wednesday, keeping them within touching distance of the league title.

​Celtic found themselves trailing to their hosts just 17 minutes into the game following a goal by Motherwell midfielder Elliot Watt. However, the first half did not end that way, as Daizen Maeda pulled one back for the Scottish giants in the 41st minute to leave the sides level at 1-1 at the break.

​Martin O’Neill’s side came into the second half swinging, and their aggression paid off in the 58th minute when Benjamin Nygren found the net to give them the lead for the first time.

​With the Hoops ahead, the Nigeria international was subbed on for Sebastian Tounekti in the 70th minute. Just when the visitors appeared set to secure the win, Liam Gordon equalized for Motherwell in the 85th minute to make it 2-2, a result that seemingly handed the advantage in the title race to league leaders Hearts.

​The drama was far from over. Nine minutes into added time, referee John Beaton was instructed by VAR to review a possible handball incident inside the Motherwell penalty area involving Sam Nicholson. After consulting the pitchside monitor, the referee pointed to the spot.

​Iheanacho stepped up amid intense pressure and confidently dispatched the penalty beyond the goalkeeper to seal a dramatic 3-2 victory in the 99th minute.

 

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Iheanacho reinvigorates title hopes for The Bhoys

​The victory significantly boosts the Glasgow giants’ hopes of clinching the Scottish Premiership title, as they remain firmly in contention heading into the decisive final fixtures of the season. It also extends their impressive unbeaten run.

​Since arriving, Iheanacho has steadily grown into one of the club’s most dependable attacking players, particularly in decisive moments.

The 29-year-old has earned praise for his composure in front of goal and his ability to deliver under pressure, with several crucial goals already proving vital in the club’s title push.