Match Summary
Kelechi Iheanacho produced a moment of brilliance off the bench as Celtic F.C. defeated Dunfermline Athletic F.C. 3-1 at Hampden Park on Saturday to lift a record 63rd Scottish Cup title.
The Nigerian forward capped another influential display with a stunning solo effort in the 72nd minute after racing onto a through ball from Benjamin Nygren. Iheanacho skipped past three defenders before calmly finishing to put the final beyond reach.
It was his third goal in seven appearances since rediscovering form in April, having already struck twice against St Mirren to send Celtic into the final.
Daizen Maeda opened the scoring in the 19th minute, cleverly lifting the ball over goalkeeper Aston Oxborough, before Arne Engels doubled the advantage with a fierce long-range strike in the 36th minute.
Championship side Dunfermline managed a late response through Josh Cooper, but Celtic were rarely troubled as they wrapped up a ninth straight victory in all competitions.
The triumph secured a third successive domestic double under interim manager Martin O’Neill, whose unexpected return during a turbulent campaign has now yielded nine major honours across two spells in charge spanning 26 years.
The latest medal adds to an already decorated career for Iheanacho. The 29-year-old has now won six senior honours, including the English FA Cup, League Cup, Community Shield, Championship title and Scottish Premiership.
His reputation as a cup specialist was established during his years in England, where he became the highest FA Cup scorer since making his debut in the competition in 2016. His 18 goals in that period earned him the nickname “Mr FA Cup”.
Despite his strong finish to the campaign, Iheanacho’s future at Celtic remains unresolved. The forward signed a one-year deal last summer and is due to become a free agent again at the end of the season, although his recent performances may yet persuade the club to extend his stay.
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