Celtic youngster Jonathan Afolabi saved Dundee from an embarrassing Scottish Cup exit to Bonnyrigg Rose last night.
It looked as though the Championship were heading for an early cup exit this year. At home to the Lowland League club and heading into added time last night, the Dee were 1-0 down. It was an absolutely ludicrous scoreline for James McPake’s side. Goodness knows what the ramifications would’ve been had Bonnyrigg managed the shock.
However, that wasn’t to be the case. Indeed, it was Parkhead youngster Afolabi who stepped up to save the day in added time. With just a minute left on the clock, the Irishman knocked home at the back post after a corner was headed down.
The drama wasn’t to end there of course. Bonnyrigg went 2-1 up in extra-time only for Dundee to turn it around again before the death. This time, however, they would get the go-ahead goal and secure progression.
Afolabi’s crucial equaliser last night adds to his superb penalty against Hearts last week. Finally, it looks like he’s gaining some momentum.
A big moment for Celtic youngster Afolabi; now it’s time for a consistent contribution
It’s certainly been a great last eight days for Afolabi. The man signed from Southampton back in 2019 is starting to find some form. And you could say this is his biggest opportunity to go on a run since coming up to Scotland.
Remember, Afolabi was doing well with Dunfermline on loan last season before the season was cut short. The striker found himself robbed of key game-time along with everyone else for several months. It was doubly frustrating for Jonathan given he was progressing well with the Pars.
Finding him this move to Dundee looks promising on paper. But it hasn’t turned out as profitable as we all would’ve hoped back in the summer. In the club’s last five matches, he’s been used in cameo appearances (Transfermarkt). With only two goals in nine heading into last night, he could’ve used a boost.
And he’s got one. There’ll be plenty of Dens Park supporters and club figures grateful to Afolabi. He really did spare them an absolute backlash from their fans and the media. He needed that.
Now, however, it needs to be a springboard to boost him further. He is
n’t going to break into the Celtic squad thanks to a goal against Bonnyrigg Rose. He needs to prove to Neil Lennon and the Celtic fans that he’s a cut above Championship level. Goals are the best way to do just that.
Winning his starting spot back now has to be his biggest priority. But after what was clearly a huge moment for him last night, hopefully it only leads to greater things.
In other news, Davie Provan was absolutely fuming with Nicola Sturgeon’s Celtic dig last week.
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