Celtic Comeback Triumphs Over Dundee In Scottish Cup As Tounekti Shines

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Celtic reached the Scottish Cup quarter-finals with a 2-1 extra-time win over Dundee, surviving a major scare at Celtic Park. Dundee led deep into stoppage time, but Junior Adamu’s late leveller and a Sebastian Tounekti winner extended Martin O’Neill’s unbeaten return as interim manager.

The victory means O’Neill’s side have now gone eight matches without defeat in all competitions since January, winning six. Tounekti continued a strong Scottish Cup campaign, adding to a previous round goal, while Celtic stayed in contention for another domestic trophy after December’s League Cup final loss to St. Mirren.

Dundee looked set to knock Celtic out of the Scottish Cup after taking control early in the second half. With 49 minutes played, Ethan Hamilton dribbled past Callum McGregor, drove to the edge of the box and sent a powerful shot into the top-left corner beyond the goalkeeper.

The visitors had already warned Celtic in the first half, when Luke Graham’s side-footed effort was cleared off the line. Celtic created few clear chances before the break and the atmosphere remained flat, with sections of the support boycotting the match in protest against the club’s board.

Celtic’s rescue act came with virtually the final kick of normal time in the 97th minute. Adamu met Tounekti’s low cutback from close range, beating Jon McCracken and forcing extra-time, just as Dundee were seconds away from a Scottish Cup shock.

Momentum shifted quickly once extra-time started. Tounekti exchanged passes with Luke McCowan inside the area, then drove a low shot inside the near post to make it 2-1. Benjamin Nygren later squandered a clear opportunity for a third, but Celtic defended solidly to finish the job.

Dundee’s near-miss added context to Celtic’s current form under O’Neill, who remains unbeaten in his second spell in charge this season. The Scottish Cup tie highlighted Dundee’s organisation and threat on the counter, but also Celtic’s persistence as pressure grew late on at Celtic Park.

The result preserved Celtic’s trophy hopes and highlighted O’Neill’s positive impact since returning as interim manager. Dundee showed they can trouble leading sides, having come within moments of a Scottish Cup upset, while Tounekti’s continued scoring suggests another useful attacking option for the remainder of the season.