Kyogo double steers Celtic to Scottish League Cup

Kyogo Furuhashi was Celtic’s hero in the Scottish League Cup final as his double helped them secure a comeback 2-1 win over Hibernian for their first trophy of the Ange Postecoglou era.

An injury doubt heading into the match, Kyogo’s contributions proved decisive at a raucous Hampden Park as Celtic made it six League Cup wins in eight seasons.

Hibernian had led against the run of play through captain Paul Hanlon’s header (51), but their joy lasted all of a minute as Kyogo quickly levelled for Celtic from the restart.

Kyogo then got his second (72) after some quick-thinking from Tom Rogic found the Celtic forward, who lobbed the ball over Matt Macey from distance – a fitting winner for such an occasion, although that only proved to be the case after Kevin Nisbet’s header hit the post in the 90th minute.

Celtic dominated the first half with more than 70 per cent possession but were unable to break the deadlock before the break.

There were seven shots from Celtic but just the one on target when Greg Taylor forced a save from Macey, while David Turnbull saw an effort deflect just wide before Carl Starfelt’s header bounced wide of the far post.

Taylor had gone down in the box under pressure from Paul McGinn just before Starfelt’s header, but referee John Beaton waved away his penalty protests.

The low point of the opening 45 minutes for Celtic meanwhile saw Turnbull go off in tears after picking up a hamstring injury.

After half-time, a thrilling passage of play saw Hibs take a shock lead when captain Hanlon rose highest to head in from a corner.

The lead lasted just a minute, though, as straight from the restart Callum McGregor played a ball over the top with Kyogo bringing it down before squeezing an effort in at the near post.

Kyogo, the summer signing who had been an injury concern heading into the match, scored again 20 minutes later, ultimately grabbing the headlines with a fine lob that had Macey well beaten.

Celtic had to weather a late storm to stay in front, but after Nisbet’s header hit the post and Joe Hart made a big save, they held on to claim a 20th League Cup.

A first piece of silverware of the season gives Celtic a huge lift after a trophyless 2020-21 campaign, and their focus will switch to closing the seven-point gap on Premiership leaders Rangers.

What’s next?

Celtic take on St Mirren in the Scottish Premiership at 7.45pm on Wednesday, while Hibernian host Aberdeen at the same time.