Iheanacho scores as Celtic complete domestic double with Scottish Cup win
Celtic wrapped up an impressive season in style after defeating Dunfermline 3-1 in the Scottish Cup final on Saturday, with Nigerian forward Kelechi Iheanacho finding the net as the Hoops completed a domestic double.
Fresh from dramatically clinching the Scottish Premiership title just a week earlier, Celtic carried that momentum into Hampden Park and produced another controlled display to lift their 43rd Scottish Cup trophy.
The victory also extended Celtic's winning run to nine matches across all competitions and capped a remarkable turnaround under Martin O'Neill, whose return to the club has revitalised the squad at a crucial stage of the campaign.
Celtic wasted little time asserting control.
The breakthrough arrived in the 19th minute when Daizen Maeda calmly lifted the ball over the advancing goalkeeper after a well-worked move created by Alistair Johnston.
The Hoops doubled their advantage before the interval through Arne Engels, whose powerful strike from distance left the goalkeeper with no chance and placed Celtic firmly in command heading into halftime.
While Dunfermline searched for a route back into the contest after the break, Celtic's quality continued to tell.
Iheanacho delivered the defining moment in the 72nd minute. The Nigerian forward showed sharp movement and composure after collecting a through pass before weaving past multiple defenders and finishing confidently to put the game beyond doubt.
The goal added another positive chapter to the striker's season and further highlighted his importance during Celtic's strong finish to the campaign.
Dunfermline managed a late response through Josh Cooper after Charlie Gilmour's effort created an opening, but it did little to alter the outcome.
O'Neill's influence reshapes Celtic's season
The trophy adds another major honour to O'Neill's Celtic managerial journey and could prove especially significant if it turns out to be his final match in charge.
Under his leadership, Celtic have rediscovered consistency during the season's decisive weeks, turning a difficult title race into a campaign that ended with two major domestic trophies.
The Scottish Cup triumph also marks Celtic's 14th league-and-cup double, another landmark achievement for one of Scotland's most successful clubs.
For Iheanacho, the final offered a reminder of the attacking qualities that have made him one of Nigeria's most recognizable football exports, while for Celtic, it represented the perfect conclusion to a memorable season.
Match Result:
Celtic 3–1 Dunfermline
Goals:
- Daizen Maeda (19')
- Arne Engels (36')
- Kelechi Iheanacho (72')
- Josh Cooper (79')
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