Kelechi Iheanacho brace fires Celtic into Scottish FA Cup final after St Mirren win
Kelechi Iheanacho delivered a decisive performance as his brace inspired Celtic to a hard-fought win over St Mirren, sealing their place in the Scottish FA Cup final.
The Nigerian forward stepped up on a big occasion, scoring twice to make the difference in a match that carried the intensity expected of a cup semi-final. His finishing proved vital as Celtic edged past a stubborn St Mirren side that made things difficult for large spells of the encounter.
Celtic approached the game with urgency, looking to assert control early, but St Mirren held their shape well and frustrated the attacking rhythm of the favourites. However, Iheanacho’s presence in the final third eventually tilted the balance in Celtic’s favour, with the striker showing composure and sharp instincts inside the box to convert his chances.
His first goal set the tone for Celtic, giving them a crucial breakthrough at a time when the match was tightly contested. St Mirren attempted to respond with increased attacking intent, but Celtic’s defensive structure held firm to protect their advantage.
In the second half, Iheanacho struck again to extend Celtic’s lead, further underlining his importance in the tie. That second goal proved decisive, effectively sealing the contest and sending Celtic supporters into celebration as their team booked a place in the final of the Scottish FA Cup, one of Scotland’s most prestigious competitions.
The result continues Celtic’s push for silverware this season, with Iheanacho’s impact likely to dominate headlines after a standout cup performance. His ability to deliver in key moments adds further depth to Celtic’s attacking options as they prepare for the final challenge ahead.
Celtic will now turn their attention to the final, where they will aim to complete their cup journey and add another trophy to their collection, while Iheanacho’s brace will be remembered as the moment that carried them there.