The wait for a first Old Firm Scottish Cup final meeting for more than 20 years goes on after the Glasgow giants drew each other in the semis.
Rangers, who booked their spot in the last four with a 3-0 quarter-final win over Raith Rovers, were first out of the hat as former Ibrox centre back and Scotland captain Colin Hendry pulled them. There was a sense of inevitability about what was coming next and Celtic, who were comfortable winners in their quarter-final tie against Hearts at Tynecastle on Saturday, were out next to set up a repeat of last season's clash between the two at the same stage of the competition.
Despite taking the lead through Greg Taylor, the Hoops were on the wrong end of the result at the national stadium. Scott Arfield levelled things up to force extra time. And Rangers,who many predicted would be tired due to their Europa League exertions, found the extra energy needed to snatch a winner when Fashion Sakala appeared to force the ball home and spark wild scenes of celebration.
The feeling was last year that whoever won would go on to lift the trophy, even though they faced a tough task against the Jambos in the final. That feeling will increase tenfold this time around, with lower league opposition waiting.
Inverness CT came from behind to beat Kilmarnock on friday night to become the first team through. That was nicely bookended this evening as the final last eight clash of the weekend saw Falkirk recover to beat Ayr 2-1, with both them and the Highlanders getting the draw they craved.
The ties will be played over the weekend of 29 and 30 April.
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