Hibernian booked their passage to the League Cup semi-finals with a dominant 3-0 triumph over Ross County on the far‑north pitch at Dingwall. The match reminded many supporters of the club's own cup glories, recalling the victories in 2010 and the unforgettable final in 2016, but this occasion offered no cause for celebration among the home side. From the outset, the visitors imposed their will, netting two goals within the first 14 minutes thanks to Thibault Klidje and Adam Mayor, and later sealing the win with a third from Ante Suto just before the interval.
While Ross County never completely collapsed, they never truly threatened to turn the tide, allowing Hibs to dictate the tempo and close out the game comfortably. The opening exchanges were lively, with both teams pressing hard and trading possession. It was Hibernian who drew first blood in the seventh minute when Klidje rose above the defence and headed a well‑timed cross into the bottom corner, leaving the County goalkeeper with little chance. Seven minutes later the visitors were presented with a golden opportunity to double their lead: a penalty was awarded after Akil Wright was judged to have pulled down Jason Kerr from a corner delivered by Felix Passlack.
Full‑back Mayor stepped up without hesitation and slotted the spot‑kick home, putting Hibs 2-0 up. The third goal arrived six minutes before the break.
A fluid passing move between midfielders Josh Mulligan and Callum Wright unlocked the Ross County back line, creating space for Suto to make a late run into the box. He met a low cross from Jack Iredale, controlled it with his chest, and finished cleanly, extending the lead to 3-0. Suto nearly added a fourth when he attempted a header from a second Iredale delivery, but his effort sailed just over the bar.
The home side managed a respectable save when Brad Foster, the Ross County keeper, dived to his left to parry a close‑range effort from the same attacker. After the interval Ross County attempted to alter the dynamics of the game, switching to a back‑three formation in hopes of shoring up their defence. Despite the tactical shift, Hibernian continued to generate the better chances.
County's Jason Kerr headed wide from a dangerous set‑piece, and later Nathan Lowe found himself on the receiving end of a cross from Mayor with under 15 minutes left, only for the Hibs substitute to send the ball harmlessly over the bar. The visitors maintained their composure, saw out the final minutes without further incident, and secured a place in the semi‑finals.
In a separate fixture, Aberdeen also celebrated a dramatic passage to the Premier Sports Cup semi‑finals after a tense penalty shoot‑out victory over Kilmarnock. The Dons entered the match under pressure, having failed to score in their previous four league games, and the stakes were raised when a red card reduced them to ten men. After Kevin Nisbet gave Aberdeen the lead with a header from a Connor Ronan cross, Daniel Happe was sent off, and Kilmarnock equalised through Tyreece John‑Jules.
The match went into extra time, where both sides missed several clear chances, and ultimately the outcome was decided from the spot. Goalkeeper Marius Müller proved decisive, making crucial saves from John‑Jules, Mark O'Hara and Aaron Tshibola during the shoot‑out.
Aberdeen's Jack Milne then converted the final penalty, giving the Dons a 3‑1 shoot‑out win. The victory sparked a jubilant pitch‑invading celebration by Aberdeen supporters, who joined Hearts and Hibernian in the semi‑final lineup, while Kilmarnock fans expressed their disappointment, aware that the result added further pressure on manager Neil McCann.
Both matches highlighted the fine margins that often decide cup competitions. Hibernian's early dominance and clinical finishing contrasted with Ross County's inability to create sustained pressure, while Aberdeen's resilience under adversity, playing a man down and still prevailing in a penalty shoot‑out, demonstrated the mental strength required in knockout football.
The upcoming semi‑finals promise exciting encounters as the three Scottish clubs—Hibernian, Aberdeen, and Hearts—prepare to vie for a place in the final, where a trophy and a spot in European competition await the eventual winner. Fans can also look forward to additional entertainment beyond the pitch, as the Scottish football community continues to engage with promotional events, such as the Super 6 competition offering a chance to win a £1 million prize, available for free entry.
This blend of on‑field drama and off‑field excitement underscores the vibrant atmosphere surrounding the Scottish League Cup this season.