Penalties Decide Celtic’s Como Cup Fate | OneFootball

Celtic faced Saudi Arabian side Al Ahli in the Como Cup 3rd/4th placed play off this evening.

The Bhoys, sporting their new black and yellow away kit, trailed 1-0 at the break, despite a steady first half. Cameron Carter-Vickers had been composed at the back, the pick of the defenders. Meanwhile, Luke McCowan was busy in midfield.

The only real chance that Celtic carved out in the first half was when James Forrest found Johnny Kenny, whose audacious effort on the volley flew over the bar. The best opportunities besides that were two crosses into the box by Forrest and Johnston.

The Saudis took the lead midway through the first half, thanks to a phenomenal scissor kick, albeit Sinisalo will have expected to save such an effort – especially having got strong hands onto the ball.

It didn’t take long for Celtic to draw level after the interval. The goal coming from a deep corner kick, which James Forrest coolly cushioned for Trusty to smash home from 5 yards.

The second 45 was very nip and tuck. Shin Yamada looked sharp when he came on and linked up well with the front line. Meanwhile, some good opportunities were carved out at both ends – Luke McCowan thudding the base of the post, the closest Celtic came to winning the game. At the other end, Al Ahli almost took the spoils when the Saudi’s striker reached to a ball with an empty net before him, but the forward couldn’t make enough contact to direct it on target at full stretch.

Penalties were required to decide the match. The Celts converted all five of their penalties, thanks to phenomenal strikes from Engels, Welsh, Summers, McCowan and Yamada. Sinisalo was able to keep one spot kick out from the visitors.

Overall this was a worthy exercise against good opposition, featuring the likes of Riyad Mahrez and Ivan Toney.

Celtic have now concluded pre season and the proper action starts next Sunday.