Hibernian comfortably booked a spot in the League Cup semi-finals after dispatching Ross County with a dominant 3-0 win at the Dingwall Stadium. The match reminded many of Hibs' own cup triumphs in 2010 and the dramatic 2016 final, yet the Highland side could not replicate that kind of celebration this evening. The visitors took control early, with Thibault Klidje finding the net inside the first seven minutes, rising above the County defence to head a precise delivery into the bottom corner.
Just seven minutes later, a penalty was awarded when Akil Wright was judged to have pulled down Jason Kerr from a corner taken by Felix Passlack. Adam Mayor stepped up and calmly slotted the spot‑kick, giving Hibernian a two‑goal cushion within the opening 14 minutes. The first half continued to favor the visitors. Ante Suto added a third goal six minutes before the interval after a well‑timed run and a clever finish that left the Ross County goalkeeper with no chance.
Although the home side never looked completely out of the contest, they never truly threatened to overturn the deficit, and Hibs were able to manage the remainder of the game with confidence. Early on, both teams exchanged possession and created chances, but it was the Hibernian side that broke the deadlock first. After the opening goal, the penalty conversion by Mayor seemed to deflate the County side, and they struggled to find rhythm.
Suto nearly doubled his tally when he rose to meet a low cross from Jack Iredale, only to see his header sail narrowly over the bar. Iredale later forced a sharp save from Hibernian keeper Brad Foster, who dived to his left to keep the ball out. The decisive third goal came from a fluid interchange between midfielders Josh Mulligan and Callum Wright, whose quick passing opened up space for Suto to strike from close range. When the second half began, Ross County attempted a tactical shift, moving to a three‑man defence in hopes of tightening up at the back.
Despite the change, Hibernian continued to dominate possession and create the more dangerous opportunities. A set‑piece delivery saw Jason Kerr head over the bar, and later, Adam Mayor found Nathan Lowe with a cross in the final 15 minutes, but the Hibs substitute missed the chance, sending the ball wide. The match concluded without any late consolation for the home fans, as Hibernian saw out the final minutes comfortably, sealing their place in the semi‑finals.
In another quarter‑final drama, Aberdeen, under the guidance of manager Stephen Robinson, earned a place in 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 fixtures, and the stakes were heightened when Daniel Happe was sent off early in the second half.
Despite being reduced to ten men, Aberdeen held on, and the game went to extra time after Tyreece John‑Jules equalised Kevin Nisbet's opening goal. During extra time, both sides had opportunities to settle the tie, but neither could find a decisive goal. The contest was ultimately decided from the spot, with goalkeeper Marius Muller making crucial saves from John‑Jules, Mark O'Hara and Aaron Tshibola. Jack Milne then converted the final penalty, giving Aberdeen a 3‑1 shoot‑out win.
The victory sparked jubilant celebrations as Aberdeen supporters spilled onto the pitch, joining Hearts and Hibernian in the semi‑final lineup, while Kilmarnock fans expressed their disappointment, knowing the result added further scrutiny on manager Neil McCann. Kevin Nisbet had put Aberdeen ahead with a header from Connor Ronan's cross, only for the dismissal of Happe to lead to John‑Jules' equaliser. The match showcased Aberdeen's resilience and ability to perform under adversity, a quality that will be vital as they prepare for the next round.
Both Hibernian and Aberdeen now look ahead to their semi‑final fixtures, aiming to add another trophy to their cabinets. The teams will need to maintain the intensity and tactical discipline demonstrated in these quarter‑finals, as the competition will only become tougher.
Fans of both clubs can anticipate exciting match‑ups, with the prospect of a final that could feature any of Scotland's top sides. The journey to the semi‑finals has reinforced each club's belief in their squad depth and strategic approach, setting the stage for what promises to be a compelling conclusion to the League Cup campaign.