Ex Hearts man fires Europa League warning to Celtic as he plays last-minute hero in remarkable comeback win
The former Tynecastle striker came off the bench to snatch a dramatic 95th-minute winner
Former Hearts striker Musa Drammeh will head into Celtic's Europa League showdown with a spring in his step after scoring a remarkable stoppage-time winner for 10-man Torreense last night.
The 24-year-old Spaniard came off the bench to settle a five-goal thriller, firing home in the 95th minute as the Portuguese second-division outfit came from behind to beat Ararat-Armenia 3-2. That registered their second league phase win after beaten Lillestrom in their opening match.
It was a remarkable turnaround for Torreense, who had spent most of the contest with 10 men after Jorge Aguirre went from hero to villain by scoring the opener before being shown a straight red card just 25 minutes.
But the drama didn’t stop there. Karen Muradyan restored parity for the visitors shortly before half-time and the Armenians then looked to have taken control when Bruno Wilson put them ahead shortly before the hour mark, leaving Torreense facing an uphill battle.
Despite their numerical disadvantage, however, the hosts refused to surrender in an eventful match. Ararat-Armenia were also reduced to 10 men when goalkeeper João Bravim was dismissed in the 76th minute.
And Torreense increased cause for optimism was rewarded in spectacular fashion during stoppage time. Javi Vazquez levelled in the 93rd minute before Drammeh delivered the decisive blow just two minutes later, sparking wild celebrations.
The former Jambos attacker had entered the fray as a first-half substitute in the 36th minute and made his opportunity count, producing a decisive contribution on a memorable European night just when it appeared that a defeat was on the cards.
Drammeh spent time at Tynecastle after joining Hearts in the summer of 2024, making 24 appearances and scoring three goals before departing for Portugal on a permanent basis last September.
His latest goal scoring exploits will give Celtic another dangerous attacking opponent to watch out for ahead of their meeting on matchday five on November 26.
Torreense, who are competing in the Europa League for the first time following their historic Portuguese Cup triumph, have now collected six points from their opening four fixtures,
Celtic, meanwhile, finally got their own campaign up and running with a 3-2 at home to Besiktas. Martin O'Neill's men will be hoping to build on that result when they travel to Portugal, but they will be wary of an opponent who has demonstrated an ability to produce when it matters most.
And dangerman Drammeh will arrive into the fixture with confidence sky high after proving he can be the difference-maker on a continental stage.