Hibernian comfortably booked their place in the Carabao Cup semi-finals after delivering a dominant 3-0 performance against Ross County at the Inverness-based venue in Dingwall. The match evoked memories of Hibs' cup triumphs in 2010 and the memorable 2016 final, yet the Highland side could not replicate that magic on the day.
Early pressure paid off for the visitors, with Thibault Klidje finding the net inside the first ten minutes and Adam Mayor adding a second before the quarter-hour mark, putting David Gray’s men firmly in the driver’s seat. A further strike from Ante Suto just six minutes before the interval effectively sealed the tie, leaving Ross County with little chance of a comeback.
The opening exchanges were lively, with both teams battling for possession and creating chances, but it was Hibernian who drew first blood in the seventh minute. Klidje rose above the County defense to meet a cross and directed a powerful header into the bottom corner, giving the visitors an early lead. Seven minutes later, the visitors were awarded a penalty after referee‑assistant Akil Wright was judged to have pulled down Jason Kerr from a corner taken by Felix Passlack. Full‑back Mayor stepped up and calmly slotted the spot‑kick, extending the lead to 2-0.
The third goal arrived just before the break when a quick interchange between midfielders Josh Mulligan and Callum Wright unlocked the Ross County defence. Their one‑two pass created space for Suto, who met a low cross from Jack Iredale with a well‑timed header that flew past the goalkeeper, making it 3-0.
Suto nearly added a fourth when he attempted to meet another Iredale delivery, but his header drifted over the bar. Later, Iredale forced a fine save from Ross County keeper Brad Foster, who dived to his left to keep the scoreline intact. In the second half, County attempted to alter their shape, shifting to a back‑three in hopes of stemming the Hibs onslaught.
However, the visitors continued to generate the more dangerous chances. Ross County’s Jason Kerr headed wide from a set‑piece, and later, Hibs substitute Adam Mayor tried to capitalize on a cross aimed at Nathan Lowe, only to fire his shot wide of the target. The home side could not muster a late consolation, and Hibernian saw out the final minutes with composure, securing a place in the semi‑finals.
Meanwhile, Aberdeen also celebrated a dramatic progression to the same stage, thanks to a tense penalty shoot‑out victory over Kilmarnock after a hard‑fought extra‑time draw. Aberdeen manager Stephen Robinson had been under pressure following a goalless run in the league, and the cup tie offered a chance to relieve that strain. The match saw Kilmarnock take the lead through Kevin Nisbet, who headed Connor Ronan’s cross past Aberdeen keeper Max Stryjek.
The balance shifted when Daniel Happe was sent off, reducing the Dons to ten men. Tyreece John‑Jules quickly equalised, cancelling out Nisbet’s opener and sending the game into extra time. During the additional period, both sides created several opportunities but failed to find a winner, leading to a penalty shoot‑out. Aberdeen’s goalkeeper Marius Müller proved decisive, making crucial saves from John‑Jules, Mark O’Hara and Aaron Tshibola.
Ultimately, Jack Milne stepped up to convert the decisive spot‑kick, giving the Dons a 3‑1 shoot‑out triumph. The victory sparked jubilant scenes as Aberdeen supporters poured onto the pitch, joining Hearts and Hibernian in the semi‑final lineup, while Kilmarnock fans expressed their disappointment, aware that the result added further scrutiny to manager Neil McCann. Both fixtures highlighted the intensity and unpredictability of knockout football in Scotland’s premier cup competition. Hibernian’s early dominance and clinical finishing contrasted with Aberdeen’s resilience and nerve in a high‑pressure penalty scenario.
As the semi‑finals approach, fans can anticipate further excitement, with the three Scottish clubs now set to vie for a coveted place in the final, where the winner will claim the Carabao Cup trophy and the prestige that comes with it.