Flirting with failure, but a win’s a win. On to the next round Celtic go with Tunisian winger Sebastian Tounekti being the difference maker with an assist then scoring the winner….
Celtic goalkeeper Viljami Sinisalo watches a shoot from Ethan Hamilton of Dundee fly into the top corner of his goal as Hamilton scores to give Dundee a 0-1 lead. Celtic v Dundee, Scottish Cup, Fifth Round, Celtic Park, 7 February 2026. Photo Stuart Wallace IMAGO/Shutterstock
We almost suffered a shock defeat last night, after being literally seconds from exiting the Scottish Cup to Dundee at Celtic Park…
On a night when the focus was on who did or who didn’t turn up in the stands, it was the players who forgot to turn up, as they put in the worst performance (Midtjylland aside) under the two spells in charge for Martin O’Neill and Shaun Maloney.
Dundee looked the more hungrier of the two sides, and looked comfortable for large spells compared to a trudged Celtic team. Steven Pressley came with a defined game-plan and his side looked like they excuted it perfectly under the last ten seconds of the cup tie. In contrast Celtic just looked disjointed and out of sorts.
New signing Joel Mvuka started on the right hand side, but failed to impress, and was hooked at half time for the equally as disappointing (on the night) James Forrest while both Paulo Bernardo and Reo Hatate failed to give Martin O’Neill anything to think about in terms of giving the starts in the upcoming matches.
7th February 2026 Celtic Park, Scottish Cup , Celtic v Dundee Junior Adamu of Celtic scores an equaliser to level the score at 1-1 in the 97th minute. Photo David Young IMAGO
Another new Bhoy Junior Adamu had a greater impact, appearing as a second half substitute, in place of Tomas Cvancara, and scored a last gasp equaliser as he brilliantly flicked home a superb cross provided by fellow substitute Sebastian Tounekti, with the final whistle sounding just after.
That goal produced the loudest cheer of the night from the home crowd, although it was through sheer relief than joy. The atmosphere suddenly changed from a subdued to more upbeat, and the players responded early in extra time, playing more fluently and attacking at will, which led to the impressive Tounekti notching what proved to be the winner early into the extra period.
7th February 2026 Celtic Park, Scottish Cup, Celtic versus Dundee Sebastian Tounekti of Celtic celebrates after scoring for 2-1 in the fourth minute of extra time. Photo David Young IMAGO
We could have added more, but failed to take advantage of a tiring and deflated dark blues side, but hung on to take our place in the quarter final draw.
It may not have been pretty, not helped by some questionable officiating, but in the end we are through and that’s all that matters.
Here’s the Unique Angle from Celtic TV, it’s well worth a watch…
And don’t miss Sandman’s Definitive Ratings up on The Celtic Star now…
Just an Ordinary Bhoy
Celtic in the Thirties by Matt Corr. Click on image to order
Yes Tounecti was brilliant shame all those supposed Celtic supporters who boycotted the game were not there in person to see it. What happened to we are Celtic supporters faithfull through and through over and over we will follow you . Dont they know we are in a fight to try and win the league again the team need the support so if your faithfull turn up and get behind the boys.