Celtic will face Dunfermline Athletic in the Scottish Cup final after a thrilling 6-2 semi-final victory over St Mirren, which went into extra time. The Hoops initially took a 2-0 lead through goals from Daizen Maeda and Anthony Ralston, but St Mirren staged a remarkable comeback, inspired by Mikael Mandron's double, including a dramatic equalizer in the 91st minute. However, Celtic regained control in extra time, with Kelechi Iheanacho scoring a brace and Luke McCowan and Benjamin Nygren adding to the tally, ensuring a decisive win. This sets up an emotional final between Celtic and Dunfermline Athletic, managed by Neil Lennon, a former Celtic captain under Martin O'Neill.
The match is scheduled for May 23 at Hampden Park. St Mirren's woes began early, with goalkeeper Ryan Mullen's error leading to Maeda's opening goal.
Mullen's subsequent injury saw 17-year-old Grant Tamosevicius make his senior debut. Despite some impressive moments from Tamosevicius, Ralston scored Celtic's second just before halftime. Mandron's header in the 53rd minute reignited St Mirren's hopes, and after a barrage of attacks, he scored again in stoppage time to force extra time.
However, Celtic dominated the extra period, with Iheanacho, McCowan, and Nygren finding the net. The final will be a reunion for O'Neill and Lennon, who have a long history together. Lennon expressed his honor and privilege at facing his former manager, while O'Neill praised Lennon's achievements, including his recent success with Dunfermline.