GLASGOW: A dramatic stoppage time strike from James Forrest secured Celtic’s place in the Champions League group phase as the Scottish champions defeated Shakhter Karagandy 3-0 to overturn a 2-0 deficit from the first leg in Kazakhstan.
Spurred on by their passionate support Celtic piled forward from the first whistle with Shakhter ‘keeper Alexsandr Mokin forced into a string of fine saves before Kris Commons made the breakthrough in first half stoppage time with a superb long-range strike.
Georgios Samaras then levelled the tie on aggregate as he made it 2-0 just two minutes after the break.
Celtic suffered a couple of scares as Adam Matthews cleared an Aldin Dzidic header off the line before Sergei Khizhnichenko hit the bar.
However, with the game heading to extra time Forrest slammed home to make sure Neil Lennon’s side are in the draw for the group stages for the second successive season.
Shakhter, who were looking to be the first team from Kazakhstan to qualify for the Champions League, will have to settle for the Europa League after suffering heartbreak in a dramatic ending at Celtic Park.
Lennon was overcome with delight at the outcome rating it even above his side’s historic group stage win over then holders Barcelona last season.
“It’s the greatest thing I’ve ever done in football,” said the Northern Irishman.
“The last three months have all been about preparation for this.
“We lost three very important players and it’s been difficult to replace them. Coming back from a two-goal deficit tonight as well just makes the players’ performance and efforts even more remarkable.”
Shakhter manager Viktor Kumykov was reflective in defeat.
AFP
