Kelechi Iheanacho’s debut penalty secured a 2-1 win for Celtic against Kilmarnock. Celtic dominated possession but Kilmarnock equalized late. Iheanacho’s injury-time penalty sealed the victory, maintaining Celtic’s top spot in the Scottish Premiership.
In a dramatic Scottish Premiership encounter, Kelechi Iheanacho marked his Celtic debut with a decisive injury-time penalty, securing a hard-fought 2-1 victory over Kilmarnock at Rugby Park. The late transfer window acquisition, formerly of Manchester City, entered the fray as a 70th-minute substitute and ultimately proved to be the difference-maker in a contest that ebbed and flowed.
The first half was a cagey affair, with Celtic dominating possession but struggling to break down a resolute Kilmarnock defense. Despite creating several promising opportunities, the Hoops were unable to find the breakthrough before the interval. Off the field, the opening stages were marked by protests from Celtic supporters who marched into Rugby Park in the 12th minute. These demonstrations underscored dissatisfaction with the club's board, adding a layer of tension to the match.
The deadlock was eventually broken in the 56th minute when Marcelo Saracchi delivered a pinpoint cross into the Kilmarnock penalty area. Daizen Maeda rose highest to meet the delivery, expertly guiding his header into the bottom corner of the net to give Celtic a 1-0 lead. The goal seemed to put Celtic firmly in control, as they continued to press forward in search of a second goal to cement their advantage.
However, against the run of play, Kilmarnock found an equalizer in the 83rd minute, injecting fresh life into the contest. Greg Kiltie delivered an inviting corner kick into the heart of the Celtic penalty area, where David Watson rose powerfully to meet it. Watson's thumping header left Celtic goalkeeper Kasper Schmeichel with no chance, leveling the score at 1-1 and sending the home fans into raptures.
As the game entered its dying moments, drama ensued when Celtic were awarded a penalty. Kiltie was adjudged to have handled the ball inside the area, prompting the referee to point to the spot. Iheanacho, making his debut, stepped up to take the spot-kick with the weight of expectation on his shoulders. The debutant coolly slotted the ball home, sending the Celtic fans into delirium and securing a 2-1 lead in the final moments of the match.
The victory ensures that Celtic maintain their position at the top of the Scottish Premiership table, preserving their unbeaten record after the first five games of the season. For Kilmarnock, the defeat marked their first setback of the campaign, bringing an end to their impressive early-season form.
A debut goal for Kelechi #KILCEL | #CelticFC pic.twitter.com/dhJ2sj0Ut7
— Celtic Football Club (@CelticFC) September 14, 2025
Data Debrief: Celtic’s Dominance Pays Off
Celtic's victory was largely attributed to their dominance in possession, controlling 76% of the ball, taking 21 shots, and amassing 3.09 expected goals (xG) compared to Kilmarnock's 1.9 xG. However, despite their dominance, Celtic only managed to get six of their attempts on target, highlighting a degree of wastefulness in front of goal. Brendan Rodgers will be looking to address this profligacy as they move forward in the season.
Kilmarnock, meanwhile, will rue the late penalty decision but can take heart from their spirited performance, particularly their ability to find an equalizer against a dominant Celtic side. They will look to bounce back quickly as they continue their Scottish Premiership campaign.
The match was a pulsating affair, full of drama and talking points, with Iheanacho's late penalty the ultimate decider. Celtic march on but Kilmarnock proved they are not to be taken lightly.