Kelechi Iheanacho scored a dramatic 98th-minute penalty as Celtic defeated Motherwell 3-2 on Wednesday night to keep the Scottish Premiership title race alive and spark wild celebrations that led to a pitch invasion by supporters at Fir Park, PUNCH Sports Extra reports.
The Nigerian forward converted from the spot deep into stoppage time after referee John Beaton awarded Celtic a penalty following a VAR review for a handball by Sam Nicholson.
Iheanacho made no mistake from 12 yards, firing home the decisive goal to move Celtic within one point of league leaders Hearts heading into the final day of the season.
The dramatic strike was immediately followed by the final whistle, prompting jubilant Celtic supporters to flood onto the pitch in celebration after a chaotic and emotionally charged contest.
Celtic had looked set to drop crucial points after surrendering a 2-1 lead late in the game before the stoppage-time controversy handed them one final opportunity.
The victory means the Scottish Premiership title will now be decided on the final day, with Hearts still chasing their first league crown in 66 years after securing a 3-0 home win over Falkirk.
Despite Hearts remaining top of the table, Martin O’Neill’s side know victory in their final fixture could still secure Celtic’s 56th league title.
Celtic’s continued involvement in the title race comes after a turbulent campaign that saw major managerial instability at the club.
O’Neill initially returned to replace Brendan Rodgers in October following the Northern Irishman’s departure before stepping aside during Wilfried Nancy’s unsuccessful eight-game spell in charge.
However, after results deteriorated under Nancy, O’Neill was reappointed in January and has since guided Celtic back into contention for the title.
Iheanacho’s late winner further strengthened his growing influence at the club during the decisive stages of the season, with the Super Eagles striker delivering when Celtic needed him most.
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