Kelechi Iheanacho scored as Celtic secured the Scottish Cup with a 3-1 victory over Dunfermline on Saturday, May 23, completing a domestic double just seven days after their dramatic title triumph. Martin O’Neill’s side took a two-goal lead before halftime thanks to goals from Daizen Maeda and Arne Engels at Hampden Park.
Iheanacho's Strike Seals Victory
Iheanacho struck after the interval to put the result beyond doubt, making Josh Cooper’s late reply little consolation for outclassed Dunfermline. It was Celtic’s ninth consecutive win in all competitions, with the team timing their best run of form perfectly after being galvanized by interim boss O’Neill.
Historic Achievement for O'Neill
Celtic’s 43rd Scottish Cup success capped an incredible end to the season for O’Neill. The 74-year-old now has nine major honors as a Celtic manager, spanning 26 years. This was Celtic’s 14th top-flight and Scottish Cup double. O’Neill is in his second spell as caretaker boss of the Glasgow club this season and has yet to agree to return next term.
It was fitting that O’Neill’s potential farewell came against Dunfermline boss Neil Lennon, who was a key member of O’Neill’s Celtic and Leicester teams earlier in his managerial career.
Title Race Drama
Celtic pipped Hearts to the Scottish Premiership title last weekend, coming from behind to win 3-1 against the Edinburgh club on the final day of the season. The Hoops needed late goals from Maeda and Callum Osmand to finish two points above Derek McInnes’ side, who had led the table for months. Hearts were furious that Celtic had stayed in the title race with a helping hand from a debatable penalty that clinched a win at Motherwell in their penultimate game.
There was, however, no need for any contentious drama in the final. Celtic took the lead in the 19th minute as Alistair Johnston’s ball reached Maeda, who lobbed it over stranded Aston Oxborough. They doubled their advantage in the 36th minute when Engels hit a powerful strike from 25 yards that left Oxborough flat-footed.
Iheanacho's Brilliant Finish
Iheanacho latched onto Benjamin Nygren’s through ball and showed tremendous footwork to evade three defenders before slotting home in the 72nd minute. Cooper scored on the rebound after Charlie Gilmour’s shot had been blocked in the 79th minute, but Celtic were never in danger of surrendering their lead.
