Hibernian comfortably booked a spot in the League Cup semi-finals after dispatching Ross County 3-0 at the Inverness-based venue in Dingwall. The fixture evoked memories of the club's previous cup triumphs in 2010 and the dramatic 2016 final, yet this time the Highland side could not replicate those celebrations. Early pressure from the visitors paid off quickly: Thibault Klidje headed in a seventh‑minute cross to give the visitors the lead, and just seven minutes later Adam Mayor calmly converted a penalty after Akil Wright was judged to have pulled down Jason Kerr from a corner.
Those two early strikes put David Gray’s Hibs firmly in the driver’s seat. The third goal arrived six minutes before the interval when Ante Suto rose to meet a low delivery from Jack Iredale and slotted the ball past the County goalkeeper. Although Ross County never completely collapsed, they never truly threatened to overturn the deficit, and Hibernian were able to see out the first half with a comfortable three‑goal cushion. The opening exchanges were lively, with both teams pressing high and trading chances.
However, it was the visitors who made the first breakthrough. Klidje’s aerial finish from a set‑piece showcased his timing, and the penalty that followed was a golden opportunity for Hibs to double their lead, which Mayor did not waste. After the break, County attempted a tactical shift, moving to a back‑three formation in an effort to tighten up at the back, but Hibernian continued to dominate possession and create the better chances.
A near‑miss from Suto, whose header from Iredale’s cross sailed just over the bar, highlighted the visitors’ relentless pressure. Ross County did manage a few moments of promise, particularly when Jason Kerr rose above the defense to head a dangerous set‑piece, only to see the ball sail harmlessly over the bar.
In the closing stages, Mayor had a chance to add a fourth when he found Nathan Lowe inside the box, but his shot drifted wide of the target. The home crowd were left without any consolation as Hibs maintained their composure and saw out the match, sealing their place in the semi‑finals.
In the other quarter‑final, Aberdeen overcame Kilmarnock in a dramatic penalty shoot‑out to progress to the Premier Sports Cup semi‑finals. The Dons had been under pressure after four league games without scoring, and the tie seemed to tilt in Kilmarnock’s favour when Tyreece John‑Jules equalised after Kevin Nisbet’s opening goal. The turning point came when Daniel Happe received a red card, reducing Aberdeen to ten men. Despite being a man down, the visitors held on through extra time, missing several chances but ultimately prevailing in the shoot‑out.
Aberdeen’s goalkeeper, Marius Müller, proved decisive, making saves from John‑Jules, Mark O'Hara and Aaron Tshibola. Jack Milne then stepped up to convert the decisive penalty, giving the Dons a 3‑1 victory in the shoot‑out. The win sparked jubilant scenes as Aberdeen supporters flooded the pitch, joining Hearts and Hibernian in the semi‑final lineup, while Kilmarnock fans expressed disappointment, their manager Neil McCann now facing renewed scrutiny.
Kevin Nisbet had given Aberdeen the early advantage by heading Connor Ronan’s cross beyond Kilmarnock keeper Max Stryjek. After Happe’s dismissal, John‑Jules levelled for the visitors, setting the stage for the tense penalty drama that followed. Both matches highlighted the intensity of Scottish cup football, where early goals can dictate the tempo and tactical adjustments are often required.
Hibernian’s swift start and clinical finishing ensured a straightforward victory, while Aberdeen’s resilience under adversity demonstrated the mental fortitude needed to succeed in knockout competitions. As the semi‑finals approach, Hibs and the Dons will look to build on these performances, aiming to add another trophy to their respective cabinets.
The upcoming semi‑finals promise exciting encounters, with Hibernian set to face either Hearts or another strong side, while Aberdeen will take on the remaining quarter‑final winner. Fans can anticipate tightly contested matches, tactical battles, and the ever‑present possibility of drama that defines cup football in Scotland.