Hibernian booked their place in the Carabao Cup semi-finals with a dominant 3-0 triumph over Ross County at the Inverness‑based venue in Dingwall. The fixture evoked memories of the club's own cup glories, recalling the triumphs of 2010 and the dramatic 2016 final, yet the Highland side were unable to replicate those celebrations on the day. Early pressure paid off for the visitors, as Thibault Klidje found the net inside the opening ten minutes, rising above the Ross County defence to head the ball into the lower corner. Just seven minutes later, Adam Mayor stepped up to convert a penalty after referee adjudicated that Akil Wright had pulled down Jason Kerr from a corner delivered by Felix Passlack.
The early double gave David Gray’s Hibs a comfortable cushion and set the tone for the remainder of the encounter. The momentum continued into the second half when Ante Suto added a third goal six minutes before the break. The strike came after a well‑crafted move involving midfielders Josh Mulligan and Callum Wright, whose quick inter‑change created the space for Suto to meet Jack Iredale’s low cross with a powerful header that found the back of the net. The goal effectively sealed the tie, leaving Ross County with little chance of a comeback.
Although the home side fought valiantly, they never truly threatened to overturn the deficit. Their attempts to alter the tactical shape after the interval – notably switching to a back‑three formation – only produced a handful of half‑chances, such as Jason Kerr’s header that sailed over the bar from a set‑piece. Throughout the match, Hibernian displayed superior aerial ability and disciplined defending.
Brad Foster, the Hibs goalkeeper, made several important saves, including a reflex stop to the left after Iredale’s second attempt forced a low shot. The visitors also created further opportunities, with Suto nearly extending the lead when his header from another Iredale cross clipped the crossbar. In the final fifteen minutes, Mayor attempted a late strike after being set up by a well‑timed pass from Nathan Lowe, but his effort drifted wide of the target, offering Ross County a brief glimmer of hope that quickly faded.
Overall, the game was a textbook example of how an early goal can dictate the flow of a cup tie, and Hibernian’s composure allowed them to manage the clock and see out the match without incident. Their progression to the semi‑finals now puts them alongside fellow Scottish Premiership side Aberdeen, who earned their place in the next round in a dramatically different fashion. Aberdeen’s quarter‑final victory came against Kilmarnock and was decided by a tense penalty shoot‑out after extra‑time could not separate the teams. The Dons entered the match under pressure, having failed to score in their previous four league outings.
The game began brightly for Kilmarnock when Tyreece John‑Jules equalised shortly after Kevin Nisbet had given Aberdeen the lead. The turning point arrived when defender Daniel Happe received a red card, reducing Aberdeen to ten men and intensifying the drama.
Despite being a man down, the visitors held on, forcing the contest into extra time. During the additional period, both sides created chances but were unable to find a decisive goal. Aberdeen’s goalkeeper, Marius Müller, proved crucial, denying attempts from John‑Jules, Mark O’Hara and Aaron Tshibola.
The shoot‑out that followed saw Müller continue his heroics, saving three penalties. Jack Milne ultimately secured the win for Aberdeen by converting the decisive spot‑kick, giving the Dons a 3‑1 victory in the shoot‑out. The conclusion sparked jubilant scenes as Aberdeen supporters spilled onto the pitch to celebrate alongside the fans of Hearts and Hibernian, all of whom now share a place in the semi‑final lineup. In contrast, Kilmarnock’s faithful expressed disappointment, aware that the loss adds further scrutiny on manager Neil McCann.
Both semi‑finalists will now turn their attention to the next round of the competition, where tactical acumen, squad depth, and perhaps a bit of luck will be essential. Hibernian will look to build on their efficient performance, while Aberdeen will aim to replicate the resilience they displayed under pressure. The upcoming fixtures promise to deliver high‑stakes football, with the prospect of a final showdown between two of Scotland’s most storied clubs. For fans eager to follow the action, the semi‑finals are set to be broadcast live, with detailed coverage, line‑ups and expert analysis available across multiple platforms.
As the tournament approaches its climax, the excitement surrounding the Carabao Cup continues to grow, offering a showcase for both established stars and emerging talents to shine on a national stage.