Debutant Kelechi Iheanacho struck a stoppage-time penalty as Celtic reclaimed top spot in the Scottish Premiership with a dramatic 2-1 win over Kilmarnock on Sunday.
The match began under a cloud, with supporters staging a 12-minute boycott in protest at the club’s lack of transfer activity and their early Champions League exit to Kairat Almaty.
Daizen Maeda eased the tension when he glanced in Marcelo Saracchi’s pinpoint cross for only his second goal since April. But the champions were pegged back late on, as David Watson rose highest to nod home Greg Kiltie’s corner in the 83rd minute.
Kilmarnock pressed for a winner and looked the stronger side, until a VAR review handed Celtic a lifeline. Lewis Mayo was adjudged to have handled James Forrest’s shot, and Iheanacho — a recent free-agent signing — coolly smashed in the spot-kick with the final kick of the game.
Manager Brendan Rodgers praised his players for staying focused despite the protests:
“I’d spoken to the players about managing the first 12 minutes, because of the boycott. There’s been a lot said and written, but once we step on the pitch we can control the game. I’m delighted they found a way to win.”
The result lifted Celtic to 13 points, level with Hearts but top on goal difference.