Ibrahim Said delivered a decisive strike in the closing stages, guiding Motherwell to a triumphant start to their Scottish Premiership campaign with a 2-1 victory at Easter Road against Hibernian. The match unfolded with Motherwell taking the initiative early on, but it was a swift counter‑attack in the 85th minute that ultimately sealed the win.
Said, who had already been a constant threat throughout the game, finished the move with composure, adding his fourth goal for the club and ensuring the visitors walked away with three points. The first half was relatively tame, with both sides probing but failing to create clear-cut chances. Motherwell midfielder Oscar Priestman was a central figure, winning a penalty for his side before later conceding one after a clumsy challenge. In the 40th minute, Lukas Fadinger capitalized on a well‑executed move, slipping the ball past the Hibs keeper to give the visitors a 1-0 lead with just five minutes remaining before the break.
The goal came after a series of patient passes that opened up space on the right flank, allowing Fadinger to exploit a gap in the Hibernian defence. Hibs responded swiftly after the interval. Regan Charles‑Cook, a former Ross County winger, found himself in a promising position and fired a powerful shot from 22 yards that narrowly missed the target.
Shortly thereafter, Martin Boyle levelled the score in the 56th minute. The equaliser came after Priestman was bundled over in a physical challenge, allowing Boyle to collect the ball and slot it home, restoring parity and reigniting the contest. Both teams continued to press, and Hibernian threatened on several occasions. Two attempts were cleared off the line by Motherwell defender Martin Moorman, demonstrating the intensity of the contest inside the penalty area.
Meanwhile, Said's influence grew as he repeatedly carried the ball from deep positions, linking play and creating opportunities for his teammates. His persistence paid off when he found space on the edge of the box and calmly placed the ball into the net, reclaiming the lead for Motherwell. The match featured several notable moments beyond the goals. Motherwell's goalkeeper, Emmanuel Longelo, was the only player to be introduced as a substitute for either side after both clubs had celebrated European victories earlier in the week.
The Steelmen, who finished fourth last season, have adapted well to the departure of former manager Jens Berthel Askou. Under new boss Alfred Johansson, they have already recorded three wins from three games, signaling a promising start to the season. In the early stages, Hibernian attempted to assert dominance, but their efforts were thwarted when Ethan Lowe sent a half‑chance wide. Motherwell, still missing a fully fit, recognized centre‑forward, struggled to maintain possession at times, often relying on Said's ability to drive the ball forward from deep.
As the half progressed, however, they grew more confident, with sharp passing on the right culminating in Priestman's challenge by Josh Mulligan, which resulted in a free‑kick that Fadinger converted. After the break, Charles‑Cook again missed a golden opportunity, shooting just wide from 22 yards after a quick throw‑in caught Hibs off guard. He also had a chance to double Motherwell's lead when Jason Kerr failed to control a high ball, allowing Charles‑Cook to break cleanly onto Raphael Sallinger. Instead of finishing, he opted to shoot at the goalkeeper, missing a clear chance to extend the lead.
Fadinger threatened from distance twice, testing the Hibs keeper, while Alex Paulsen made an impressive diving save from Lowe's first‑time volley. Later, a miscommunication between Priestman and his goalkeeper led to Boyle's equaliser: Priestman pointed to the keeper, but the ball was passed inside to him, and Boyle pounced, only to be bundled over by the Australian defender. The equaliser boosted Hibs' confidence, and they generated several quality chances.
Owen Elding forced a fingertip save from Paulsen with a 30‑yard effort, while Lowe's shots were cleared off the line by Moorman after Motherwell's goalkeeper could only palm away crosses in a congested box. Lowe later attempted to stab Elding's low cross wide after a swift free‑kick, but Motherwell managed to hold on. Substitutions added fresh energy to the game.
Motherwell introduced debutants Alex Lowry and Jamie Knight‑Lebel, while Hibs brought on Olly Whyte, who won the ball in midfield and sparked a rapid counter‑attack. Lowry exchanged a one‑two with Said, laying the ball off to Williams, whose square pass was side‑footed into the net by the Nigerian forward, sealing the win. In the final minutes, Paulsen saved a shot from Ante Suto, and Elding headed over a cross.
Lowry forced another save as Motherwell saw out the match, preserving their three points. The victory not only gave Motherwell an early advantage in the league table but also demonstrated their resilience and ability to adapt under a new manager.
The win at Easter Road, coupled with solid performances from both seasoned players and newcomers, suggests that Motherwell could be a strong contender this season, building on their previous fourth‑place finish and aiming for higher honors in the Scottish Premiership.