Nigerian forward, Kelechi Iheanacho came off the bench to score a dramatic winner for Celtic in their Scottish Premiership clash against Kilmarnock.
The first half was relatively quiet, with both sides locked in a goalless stalemate.
Japanese forward Daizen Maeda broke the deadlock in the 57th minute, but Kilmarnock responded late through David Watson, who drew the hosts level in the 83rd minute.
Kilmarnock tried seeing out the draw but disaster struck in stoppage time when the ball touched Lewis Mayo’s arm inside the box.
VAR gave the penalty, and Iheanacho stepped up, sending Max Stryjek the wrong way to win it for Celtic.
Celtic manager Brendan Rodgers was full of praise for the Nigerian forward, especially his composure under pressure.
“I was really pleased with Kels,” said Rodgers. “I think the last penalty he took was for me at Wembley, when we beat Man City in the Community Shield.
“That’s a big moment for him, especially with the supporters and everything else. He still had to score it—and he did—and it won us the game.”
“There’s no doubt he has big moments in him, and once he gets fitter, he’s only going to improve. Our usual penalty taker was off the pitch.
“I believe Benji wanted to take it and had the confidence, which is great. But my message was clear—it had to be Kels. I know what he brings, and I know what a goal like that does for his confidence.”
The result sends Celtic back to the top of the Scottish Premiership with 13 points, ahead of Hearts on goal difference.
Next up, the Scottish Champions face Partick Thistle in the League Cup before traveling to Serbia for a Europa League clash against FK Crvena zvezda.
