Celtic manager Martin O'Neill is set to face off against his former captain, Neil Lennon, in the Scottish Cup final after the Hoops defeated St Mirren 6-2 in a thrilling semi-final match that went into extra time. The game got off to a blistering start, with Daizen Maeda and Anthony Ralston scoring within the first 45 minutes to give Celtic a 2-0 lead. However, St Mirren's Mikael Mandron sparked a dramatic comeback, scoring twice, including a stunning 91st-minute equalizer that sent the match into extra time. Celtic regained their composure in extra time, with substitute Kelechi Iheanacho scoring a brace, and Luke McCowan and Benjamin Nygren adding to the tally, securing a decisive victory and a spot in the final.
The win sets up an emotional showdown between O'Neill and Lennon, a former Celtic great, on May 23 at Hampden Park. Lennon's Dunfermline Athletic pulled off a shocking upset in the other semi-final, defeating bitter rivals Falkirk in a penalty shootout. The match began with a nightmare start for St Mirren, as backup goalkeeper Ryan Mullen gifted Celtic the opening goal inside the first minute. Mullen's error was compounded when he suffered an injury, forcing 17-year-old Grant Tamosevicius to make his senior debut.
At the other end, Celtic's Viljami Sinisalo nearly made a similar mistake but was bailed out when Killian Phillips failed to capitalize on the opportunity. Tamosevicius showed poise despite the occasion, making a smart save from Maeda and displaying tidy footwork before eventually being beaten by Ralston on the stroke of half-time. St Mirren fought back in the second half, with Mandron scoring his first goal since December, but Celtic temporarily regained control without creating clear-cut chances.
The match intensified in the final 15 minutes, with Sinisalo making an excellent double save in the 87th minute, only to be beaten by Mandron's second goal in stoppage time, sending the tie to extra time. However, Celtic dominated the extra period, with Iheanacho heading in the go-ahead goal, followed by strikes from McCowan and Nygren, sealing the win. The Scottish Cup final will be a repeat of the 2007 matchup between Celtic and Dunfermline Athletic, which was Lennon's last match as a Celtic player.
Lennon expressed his excitement about facing his former manager, stating it would be an 'honour and a privilege' to compete against O'Neill. O'Neill praised Lennon's achievements, saying he has done 'remarkably well' and is looking forward to the reunion.