Super-sub Iheanacho fires Celtic into Scottish Cup final
Kelechi Iheanacho came off the bench to score a decisive brace as Celtic stormed into the Scottish Cup final with a 6–2 extra-time victory over St. Mirren on Sunday. The
Kelechi Iheanacho came off the bench to score a decisive brace as Celtic stormed into the Scottish Cup final with a 6–2 extra-time victory over St. Mirren on Sunday.
The Super Eagles striker had barely been on the pitch 13 minutes when he broke the deadlock in extra time, and he struck again five minutes later to put the tie beyond doubt as Celtic ran riot to book their place in the final for the fourth consecutive season.
It had looked straightforward enough in regulation. Daizen Maeda struck within seconds of kick-off and Anthony Ralston doubled the advantage just before half-time. But St. Mirren refused to fold. Mikaël Mandron pulled one back in the 53rd minute and levelled in stoppage time to force extra time.
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That reprieve proved short-lived. Iheanacho, introduced in the 83rd minute, seized the moment in the 96th to restore Celtic's lead — and the floodgates opened. Three more goals arrived in a frantic five-minute spell, turning a tense tie into a rout and settling any lingering nerves in the stands.
For Iheanacho, it was another timely contribution in what has been a quietly influential debut season. The brace takes his tally to six goals in 18 appearances since his move from Sevilla last September — a return that underlines his value as an impact option for manager Brendan Rodgers.
Speaking after the final whistle, the striker kept his message simple and warm.
"We're happy to go through to the final. We're looking forward to it. Thank you for your support today — come out in the final to support us again," he said.
Celtic will face Dunfermline Athletic in the final on May 23.
