Kelechi Iheanacho made an instant impact on his Celtic debut, converting a stoppage-time penalty to seal a dramatic 2-1 victory over Kilmarnock in the Scottish Premiership.
The Nigerian striker, signed as a free agent after the transfer window closed, held his nerve from the spot after VAR intervened to award a penalty for handball against Lewis Mayo.
The decision left Rugby Park stunned, with the home side seconds away from a valuable point.
Earlier, Celtic had taken the lead through Daizen Maeda, who headed in Marcelo Saracchi’s cross for his first league goal of the season.
The advantage was short-lived, however, as David Watson’s thumping header drew Killie level, setting up a tense finale.
For much of the contest, Celtic lacked urgency, struggling to create clear chances despite dominating possession.
Sebastian Tounekti, the Tunisian winger making his first league start, was the standout performer for Brendan Rodgers’ side, injecting pace and creativity in a game otherwise short on attacking invention.
The late winner came as a relief not only to the players but also to the travelling fans, many of whom delayed their entrance in protest against the club’s board.
Chants of dissent softened after Iheanacho’s composed finish secured three crucial points.
The victory lifts Celtic to the top of the table on goal difference ahead of Hearts, while Kilmarnock remain eighth with four points, though Stuart Kettlewell’s side can take encouragement from another disciplined display.
Celtic’s display once again underlined the gap between possession and penetration.
Until Maeda’s goal, the champions circulated the ball with little intent, and it was Tounekti who consistently provided their only spark in the final third.
His direct running and ability to unsettle defenders marked him out as a potentially transformative signing in an otherwise frustrating transfer window.
Yet Rodgers’ men still look short of the fluency and creativity that defined their play last season.
The reliance on individual moments—first from Maeda, then Iheanacho—suggests structural problems remain.
For Kilmarnock, the result was cruel.
Watson’s equaliser had shifted momentum in their favour, and they ended the game pressing for a winner.
Their organisation and energy reflected Kettlewell’s emphasis on discipline and work rate, with Celtic forced onto the back foot in the closing stages.
Still, one lapse in the box undid their efforts.
While the penalty decision will be debated, Iheanacho’s calm strike ensured Celtic escaped with a victory that may prove pivotal in the title race.
For Killie, it felt like a point lost rather than a game fairly beaten.
Kilmarnock manager Stuart Kettlewell: "Frustration, disappointed. Gutted for the players, not for myself. To lose it in that nature is heart-breaking for them, sore one for us all. We looked like the team that would go on and win it. Players executed the game plan really well through stages.
"I sat here with the players and staff for a referee's meeting. That type of incident was addressed. We were under the impression that wasn't going to be given as a penalty any more. If that's not the case or the rule, someone will have to tell me."
Celtic manager Brendan Rodgers: "In the Celtic spirit, we kept going right to the end and I'm delighted for Kelechi Iheanacho to get the penalty. I know he thrives off confidence from his team-mates, manager and supporters.
"Delighted for the team, there's been so much noise, but we got out there and won. It's still very early in the season. We've started well in the league with our four wins and a draw and we're only going to get better."
