Iheanacho Double Seals Scottish Cup Final Berth for Celtic in Eight-Goal Thriller

Celtic has booked their spot in the Scottish Cup final after a dramatic encounter against St. Mirren, which saw an astonishing eight goals scored. The match, held at Hampden, was a true test of endurance and nerve, with Celtic ultimately prevailing in extra time after St. Mirren had fought back from a two-goal deficit.

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With the match tied at 2-2, four goals in six minutes blew the Paisley side away after they had come from two goals down to force the additional half-hour.

The game began with an early strike from Daizen Maeda, capitalizing on a goalkeeping error. Celtic doubled their lead just before halftime with a superb strike from Anthony Ralston. However, St. Mirren, displaying remarkable resilience, managed to pull a goal back after the break through Mikael Mandron. The drama intensified in the 91st minute when Mandron scored again, leveling the score and sending the match into extra time.

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Quick goals from the head of substitute Kelechi Iheanacho and the boot of Luke McCowan broke the Buddies’ spirit before Iheanacho slammed in a fifth.

In the additional period, Celtic's quality shone through. Substitute Kelechi Iheanacho proved to be the game-changer, scoring twice in quick succession. His first goal, a header, broke St. Mirren's spirit, and he followed it up with a powerful strike to complete his brace. Benjamin Nygren added a fifth for Celtic, capping off a sensational attacking display.

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His fine, powerful shot in the 91st minute seemed to indicate the tide turning in the Paisley side’s favour but the Scottish champions found an extra couple of gears in extra time.

This victory sets up a final against Dunfermline Athletic, a repeat of the 2007 final. While Celtic, the record 42-time winners, will be favorites, this match served as a stark reminder that no opponent should be underestimated. St. Mirren, particularly their young goalkeeper, put in a valiant effort, and the game's outcome was only decided in the dying moments of extra time. Celtic's ability to find another gear under pressure, especially with key contributions from players like Iheanacho, bodes well for the final.

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The youngster made a couple of good saves but could do little about Celtic’s devastating onslaught in extra time.