Kelechi Iheanacho had a perfect start to his Celtic career as he scored a dramatic penalty in stoppage time to give the champions a 2-1 victory over Kilmarnock on Sunday, September 14.

The win took Celtic back to the top of the Scottish Premiership, although the game was played under a cloud of fan protests.

Supporters showed their anger by boycotting the opening 12 minutes of the match at Rugby Park. They were frustrated over the club’s lack of transfer activity and the early Champions League exit to Kazakhstan’s Kairat Almaty.

Daizen Maeda gave the fans something to cheer when he scored with a diving header from Marcelo Saracchi’s accurate cross, his first goal since April. But Kilmarnock refused to back down and finally drew level in the 83rd minute.

David Watson rose highest to meet Greg Kiltie’s corner and powered in a header that shifted the momentum towards the home side.

Kilmarnock looked the stronger team and were pushing for a winner, but Celtic were handed a lifeline in stoppage time when VAR confirmed Lewis Mayo had handled James Forrest’s shot inside the box.

That set the stage for Iheanacho, who joined as a free agent after the transfer window closed, to step forward. With almost the last kick of the game, he calmly smashed the penalty past the goalkeeper to secure the win.

Manager Brendan Rodgers praised his team’s concentration and determination, especially with all the noise surrounding the club.

He said he reminded the players before the game about managing the first 12 minutes, given the protest, and was delighted they responded well and earned an important victory.

The result puts Celtic level on 13 points with Hearts, but Rodgers’ side top the table on goal difference, giving them a boost heading into the next round of fixtures.