Hibernian booked their place in the League Cup semi‑finals with a dominant 3‑0 triumph over Ross County at the Inverness‑based Dingwall stadium, while Aberdeen earned a dramatic passage to the same stage after a nerve‑wracking penalty shoot‑out against Kilmarnock. The Hibs‑County encounter evoked memories of past cup glory for the Edinburgh side, recalling their victories in 2010 and the unforgettable 2016 final.
Yet the atmosphere in the Highlands this evening was far from celebratory for the home team. From the first whistle, the visitors imposed themselves, and two quick strikes within the opening fourteen minutes set the tone for the match.
Thibault Klidje opened the scoring in the seventh minute, rising above the County defence to head a corner into the bottom corner of the net. Just seven minutes later, a penalty was awarded after Ross County defender Akil Wright was judged to have pulled down Jason Kerr from a Felix Passlack corner. Adam Mayor stepped up and calmly slotted the spot‑kick, doubling Hibernian’s lead and giving David Gray’s side a comfortable cushion. The first half continued in a similar vein, with both sides creating chances but the visitors maintaining the initiative.
Ante Suto, who had been a constant threat on the flank, got his head on a low cross from Jack Iredale and sent the ball over the bar, narrowly missing a third goal before the break. However, his persistence paid off six minutes before halftime when a well‑timed run and a clever one‑two with midfield partner Josh Mulligan produced a clear chance.
Suto finished cleanly, making it 3‑0 and effectively putting the tie beyond any realistic comeback for Ross County. Ross County attempted to alter the dynamics after the interval, switching to a back‑three formation in an effort to tighten up defensively.
Despite the tactical tweak, Hibernian continued to dominate possession and generate quality deliveries into the box. Jason Kerr headed wide from a dangerous set‑piece, and later, Nathan Lowe found himself on the receiving end of a cross from Adam Mayor with just under fifteen minutes left, but the Hibs substitute failed to find the target. The home side never truly threatened to narrow the deficit, and the final minutes saw them content to manage the game and protect their lead. The match concluded with Hibernian comfortably seeing out the remaining time, securing a place in the semi‑finals and adding another chapter to their cup‑winning history.
In the other quarter‑final, Aberdeen’s manager Stephen Robinson celebrated a hard‑won victory as his ten‑man side progressed to the Premier Sports Cup semi‑finals after a tense penalty shoot‑out against Kilmarnock. The Dons had been under pressure, having gone four league games without scoring, and the cup tie offered a potential lifeline.
The match began brightly for Aberdeen, with Kevin Nisbet finding the net after heading Connor Ronan’s cross past Kilmarnock goalkeeper Max Stryjek. The lead, however, was short‑lived.
Early in the second half, Daniel Happe was shown a red card, reducing the visitors to ten men. In the wake of the dismissal, Kilmarnock’s Tyreece John‑Jules seized the opportunity, equalising and sending the game into extra time. Both teams created several chances during the extra‑time period, but neither could break the deadlock.
The stalemate led to a penalty shoot‑out, where Aberdeen’s goalkeeper Marius Müller emerged as the hero. He saved attempts from John‑Jules, Mark O’Hara and Aaron Tshibola, giving the Dons a decisive edge. Jack Milne then stepped up to convert the final spot‑kick, sealing a 3‑1 shoot‑out win for Aberdeen. The victory sparked jubilant scenes as Aberdeen supporters flooded the pitch in celebration, joining Hearts and Hibernian as the three Scottish clubs set to contest the semi‑finals.
In contrast, Kilmarnock fans expressed frustration, aware that the defeat added further scrutiny to manager Neil McCann’s position. Overall, the quarter‑finals delivered a mix of dominant performances and dramatic finishes. Hibernian’s clinical display against Ross County highlighted their attacking prowess and defensive solidity, while Aberdeen’s resilience under pressure demonstrated the importance of composure in knockout football.
Both clubs now look ahead to the semi‑finals, where they will aim to add another trophy to their respective cabinets. The upcoming semi‑final fixtures promise high‑stakes encounters, with the possibility of more thrilling moments, tactical battles, and individual brilliance. Fans of Scottish football can anticipate intense competition as the remaining teams vie for a coveted spot in the final, where the ultimate winner will lift the League Cup trophy.