COMO, ITALY - JULY 26: Celtic FC players celebrate the victory at the end of the Como Cup match between Al-Ahli and Celtic FC at Giuseppe Sinigaglia Stadium on July 26, 2025 in Como, Italy. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)
Celtic completed their pre-season build up with a penalty shoot-out win over Al Ahli following a 1-1 draw.
After going behind midway through the first half Auston Trusty showed the composure of a striker to score from seven yards out after James Forrest had sent a corner kick back into the goal-mouth.
It was a very competitive outing with Al Ahli not afraid to put the boot in with Forrest and Luke McCowan both in the wards.
Brendan Rodgers made 11 changes to the side that started against Ajax with Alistair Johnston making his first appearance since returning from Gold Cup duty for Canada.
Hayato Inamura looked very comfortable at left back, popping up firther down that wing and occasionally in midfield.
Goalscorer Trusty followed on from his impressive performance against Newcastle, getting the better of his tussle with Ivan Toney.
Shin Yamada was a half-time substitute for Johnny Kenny and took to the pace of the match straight away, having a ‘goal’ disallowed for a marginal offside call.
After Vil Sinisalo saved Al Ahli’s third penalty Stephen Welsh and Yamada slotted their penalties away to give Celtic victory on the night.
Inamura looked classy, like Hansen or McTominay. Could turn out to be a good one!
I thought the rEferee had left his cards at home. That team looked like they were up for a fight and it was supposed to be a pre-season friendly!
Yamada’s offside goal was interesting because he made a perfect run, but there was a slight delay in the pass to him, otherwise he would have been onside.
Those looking to provide assists for him need to just get the timing right. He looks good and thinks fast. I think there may be a gem of a player there.
He put away his penalty well also – to seal the result.
A not to bad a show but this team badly needs a couple of wingers and really good striker so come on board get a move on
A lot of positives last night, I thought Osmund did well on the left 2nd half he’ll be useful when DM play’s through the middle or needs a rest…..
Also, Joe, can you start a gofundme page so we can chip in to buy Paddy Berg? (;-0)
HH
Editor: Sorry not for me, with £80m plus in the bank and two Adidas kit releases a week I suspect that a £5m fee should be affordable even if it sends heart-rates soaring.