Ibrahim Said delivered a decisive strike in the closing stages, helping Motherwell launch their Scottish Premiership campaign with a hard‑won 2-1 triumph at Easter Road against Hibernian. The Nigerian forward capped a swift counter‑attack in the 85th minute, sending the ball into the net to seal the victory for the Steelmen. The match began with Motherwell midfielder Oscar Priestman earning a penalty early on, only to see it saved, setting the tone for a tightly contested first half.
Five minutes before the half‑time whistle, Lukas Fadinger broke the deadlock for the visitors, slotting home his third goal of the season and giving Hibs a 1-0 lead. Motherwell responded quickly.
Regan Charles‑Cook came close to restoring parity, missing a golden‑chance that would have doubled the lead. However, just after the break, Martin Boyle levelled for Hibernian in the 56th minute after a clumsy challenge from Priestman left him on the ground, allowing the forward to tap in from close range. The game remained evenly poised until the late winner. After a series of attempts from Hibernian were cleared off the line by Motherwell keeper Martin Moorman, Said found space on the right flank, exchanged a quick one‑two with a teammate and delivered a precise low drive into the bottom corner.
It was his fourth goal for the club and it proved enough to clinch all three points. Motherwell entered the season on a high note, having finished fourth last term with a win at Easter Road. The team has also adjusted well to the departure of former manager Jens Berthel Askou, with new boss Alfred Johansson already boasting a perfect record of three wins from three matches. Emmanuel Longelo was the sole new signing to feature for either side after both clubs secured European victories earlier in the week.
The early phases saw Hibernian dominate possession, but they struggled to create clear‑cut chances, with Ethan Lowe seeing his half‑chance drift wide. Motherwell, still missing a fully fit, recognized centre‑forward, relied heavily on Said’s ability to carry the ball from deep positions.
As the half progressed, they grew more comfortable on the ball, and a well‑timed pass down the right wing resulted in Priestman being fouled by Josh Mulligan, allowing Fadinger to double his tally. Charles‑Cook’s effort from 22 yards sailed just wide after a swift throw‑in caught Hibs off guard.
The former Ross County winger also missed a prime opportunity just after the interval when Jason Kerr failed to control a high ball. Charles‑Cook found himself through on Raphael Sallinger, but his shot was poorly placed, allowing the goalkeeper to keep the score level. Fadinger threatened again with two long‑range attempts, prompting Alex Paulsen to make a spectacular diving save from Lowe’s first‑time volley. Motherwell’s defensive shape tightened, but a miscommunication saw Priestman point to his own keeper before the ball was passed to Williams, who quickly found Boyle.
The Australian defender bundled over the ball, gifting Hibernian an equaliser. Buoyed by the spot‑kick, Hibs generated several promising attacks. Owen Elding forced a fingertip save from Paulsen with a 30‑yard strike, while Lowe’s shots were cleared off the line by Moorman after Motherwell’s keeper could only palm away crowded crosses. Lowe later missed a low cross from Elding, and the match settled into a tense stalemate.
In the final minutes, Motherwell introduced debutants Alex Lowry and Jamie Knight‑Lebel. A subsequent substitution, Olly Whyte, won the ball in midfield and launched a rapid break.
Lowry linked up with Said, who fed Williams with a square ball that the Nigerian forward side‑footed into the net, delivering the decisive goal. Paulsen later saved a shot from Ante Suto, while Elding headed over a cross.
Lowry’s defensive effort forced a final stop as Motherwell held on to preserve the win. Overall, the match showcased Motherwell’s resilience and tactical adaptability under Johansson. Despite early setbacks and the absence of a fully fit striker, the team’s ability to transition quickly, exploit counter‑attacks, and capitalize on set‑piece opportunities proved decisive.
Said’s late winner not only secured three points but also highlighted his growing influence as a key attacking outlet for the Steelmen. The victory sets a positive tone for Motherwell’s season, offering confidence that they can compete with the league’s traditional powerhouses while continuing to develop their young talent and integrate new signings into a cohesive unit.