A leveller in the final seconds sent the game to extra-time before the Hoops reached the quarter-final in a 2-1 win
20:14, 07 Feb 2026Updated 21:09, 07 Feb 2026
Celtic 2 Dundee 1 as hero Junior Adamu salutes ‘amazing’ Parkhead debut
A section of Celtic fans gave it a miss – while their team left it late to turn up.
Celtic eventually scraped into the Scottish Cup last eight by the skin of their teeth after leaving Dundee devastated. Steven Pressley’s men were seconds away from a shock win before new Bhoy Junior Adamu made an instant impact with his backheel leveller with the last kick of the ball.
Sebastian Tounetki slammed in a second a minute into extra-time to keep the trophy dream alive and save the under-fire Parkhead board from an all-out rebellion. The planned boycott caused a sizable dent in the crowd and Dundee had the half-full Parkhead fuming after Ethan Hamilton’s sensational opener four minutes into the second half.
Unconvincing Celtic looked like they’d run out of ideas as the mood in the stands reached boiling point. But Tounetki managed to hit the byline for sub Adamu to pounce in the 96th minute to set up the extra period and Tounetki superbly chopped inside to tuck in the bottom corner to make it 2-1.
It was brutally harsh on Dundee though. Pressley’s side did a number on the Hoops, soaking up early pressure and then pouncing when the chance came when Hamilton showed brilliant feet to wriggle free before slamming into the top corner.
The visitors looked more likely to grab a second with Tony Yogane’s effort blocked on the line by Kieran Tierney.
Celtic’s Sebastian Tounekti (C) celebrates with Benjamin Nygren, Luke McCowan and Junior Adamu (L-R) vs Dundee(Image: SNS Group)
But a late push from the Parkhead side and the quick-fire goals either side of the whistle did the damage and O’Neill’s men hung on for grim life to nervously see it out.
CELTIC GET OUT OF JAIL
Martin O’Neill famously studied law as a youngster but the Celtic manager is also skilled at getting out of jail.
The BirdMan of Alcatraz could learn something from the Hoops boss.
Celtic were heading out of the Scottish Cup until the last gasp goal but somehow they survived.
In truth, they couldn’t have complained if they were sent tumbling after a fairly brutal 90 minutes.
Yet, once again, O’Neill pulled as many levers as he could to produce an escape act and buy his club some breathing space.
He’ll know more than anyone that results will eventually catch up with performances and he’ll need to hope his new arrivals can do the business.
In the meantime though, O’Neill still has the key to the trophy cabinet.
BHOYCOTT HITS HOME
The Celtic Fans Collective group voted to sit this one out and there were a fair amount of empty seats that would have sent a message to the Parkhead board.
In fairness though, the crowd wasn’t that much different to what would be expected for a usual cup tie at half five on a Saturday in deepest, darkest winter.
Celtic Park was around half full, so it was clear the boycott plan didn’t quite hit home with the full support.
The ones who did turn up were far from happy at times.
The atmosphere was pancake flat – but the anger levels started to rise as the tie unravelled and it would have boiled over if not for late heroics.
Chairman Brian Wilson has called for peace – but it still looks some way away.
OX IN THE BOX
The mood was different earlier when Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain was introduced before kick-off and got a big cheer – now it remains to be seen if the former Arsenal and Liverpool star can still cut it where it matters.
The playmaker was superb at carrying the ball and breaking the lines when at his peak at Anfield and the Emirates.
Celtic unveil new signing Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain(Image: SNS Group)
And that’s exactly what Celtic could do with. Paulo Bernardo got a rare run out but barely made a dent before being hooked at half-time.
Arne Engels was rested but he’s a different type. Oxlade-Chamberlain will need to hit the ground running.
INSTANT IMPACT
Junior Adamu could not have made a better first impression after notching with the final kick of the ball.
The big man didn’t get much of a sniff to that point but he was strong and direct and he’s now off to a flier.
Joel Mvuka was long gone by that stage. The Norwegian made a half decent first impression in the opening exchanges.
The 23-year-old former Bodo/Glimt ace was keen to get invoked and showed a few neat touches before fading and being replaced at the break.
No doubt he was rusty though and he’ll need to build confidence as there were a couple of times he could have taken on his man but opted to cut back.
O’Neill might need to get the Brasso out to polish him up.
DEE-SPAIR
This was cruel on Dundee – and undeserved.
Steven Pressley wasn’t exactly a popular appointment at Dens but he’s gradually won over the punters – by building a right good side.
Dundee were brilliantly organised to stifle Celtic for long spells, while also posing a threat.
Star turns like Hamilton and Cameron Congreve were a major nuisance to Celts and the former capped a super display with a sensational goal.
The quick feet to make space was special, but it was topped by the top corner finish.
The last gasp goal was a killer and it took the legs away from Dundee in extra-time.
This one will hurt but there was a lot to like from Pressley’s side.