Coulibaly’s sensational strike earns Killie a point
DUNDEE 1 El Bakhtaoui (7) KILMARNOCK 1 Coulibaly (32)
DUNDEE started like a house on fire and took an early lead.
Souleymane Coulibaly equalised with as good a goal as you’ re ever likely to see.
Then Kevin Gomis was sent off near the end on his home debut.
Yet despite these dramatic moments this game lacked something and it fizzled out in a predictable draw.
Not unnaturally Kilmarnock manager Lee Clark was full of praise for Coulibaly afterwards.
“His technique at the goal was out of this world,” he said.
“I’m not surprised as I see him every day in training. In fact he’s scored some terrific goals for us already.
“However my medical team have kittens when he celebrates as he did here.
“They’re worried he’ll land the wrong way and cause a serious injury.”
The Ivory Coast international’s back-flip celebration was almost as spectacular as his goal.
Adam Frizzell delivered a deep cross from the right and Coulibaly scored with an overhead kick from eight yards giving Dundee keeper Scott Bain no chance.
Afterwards Coulibaly said: “I’m dedicating this goal to Kris Boyd’s brother Scott who tragically died a few days ago.
“Like the man he is Kris turned up and played for us today.”
Killie boss Clark added: “I’m just disappointed we didn’t push on in the second half and go for all three points.
“The work ethic was there and we responded well to losing an early goal.
“However there is a little bit of frustration in the dressing room.”
Dundee manager Paul Hartley was frustrated at the end, too.
“We lacked a little bit in the final third,” he said afterwards.
“We started brightly but couldn’t score the second goal when we were in control.
“Their goal was a
fantastic strike that came out of the blue.
“I was delighted Faissal El Bakhtaoui grabbed a goal, he was a threat throughout.
“Tom Hateley was composed on his debut and he’ll only get better. He hasn’t played a lot of football recently.”
Hartley had no complaints that Gomis was shown a straight red nine minutes from time after a late tackle on Charlee Adams.
However with skipper Darren O’Dea forced off injured in the first half Dundee find themselves short of central defenders for next Sunday’s game against Aberdeen at Dens.
El Bakhtaoui’s goal followed a Hateley free kick which he blasted into the roof of the net.
Unfortunately they couldn’t find that elusive second to afford some breathing space and ended up paying the penalty.
Craig Wighton was twice denied early in the second half when Jamie MacDonald pulled off a stunning double block.
The home side were a touch lightweight though and Killie eventually got their measure.
As predicted Greg Stewart and Kane Hemmings are proving difficult to replace.