Ikhazuagbe Duro
Kelechi Iheanacho, a Nigerian international, scored a thrilling late goal as Celtic defeated Dundee 2-1 to get within three points of Hearts, the top of the Scottish Premiership.
Celtic’s victory reduced the gap to the Tynecastle club after Hearts’ draw with Livingston earlier yesterday, although they are still two points behind Rangers in second place.
Iheanacho’s goal was his first since early October and his fourth of the year.
The Nigerian international added, “It feels fantastic to help the team gain the win tonight,” in an interview with Celtic TV following the match. We put in a lot of effort and demonstrated true character to win.
I believe we dominated them, especially in the first half, and had a couple opportunities, but sadly, it didn’t work.
“They fought back and scored the penalty in the second half, but we ended up with the points, which is huge.
The 29-year-old Nigerian striker, who had a season marred by injuries, said, “It feels nice to come back and to assist the club achieve the win, so I’m thrilled.
“Within eight minutes, Yang Hyun-Jun gave Martin O’Neill’s team the lead with a gentle touch on Benjamin Nygren’s close-range effort. Tomas Cvancara, a striker, missed numerous crucial opportunities, and they should have been farther up before halftime.
And after the break, their wastefulness returned to haunt them.
Referee Steven McLean went to the pitchside monitor after video assistant referee (VAR) Matthew MacDermid detected a handball by full-back Colby Donovan.
Simon Murray, the captain of Dundee, calmly scored to tie the score, and Celtic took their time regaining the lead.
But as time was running out, replacement Iheanacho scored all three points with a left-footed drive that beat home goalkeeper Jon McCracken.
Ryan Astley, a centre back, was sent off for taking out Yang, leaving Dundee with just ten men.
In the relegation play-off berth, Dundee is still five points ahead of Kilmarnock.
OUTCOMES
NPFL
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Barau 0-0 Rangers
Tornadoes 1-0 Katsina
W’Wolves 2-0 Rivers United
Remo Stars Shoots 1-0
Monday, June 4, 26
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