Dunfermline are preparing to face Celtic in the Scottish Cup final, aiming to secure their first victory in the competition for 58 years.
The Championship side are looking to claim a fourth top-flight scalp under the guidance of their manager, Neil Lennon, a former Celtic player and manager.
Celtic’s Road to the Final
Celtic, after a season of “ups and downs”, are aiming for a double after securing the Scottish Premiership title. Martin O’Neill, who has been in interim charge twice this season, remains undecided about his future after the final.
Celtic began their Scottish Cup campaign with a 2-0 victory over Auchinleck Talbot. They then faced Dundee in the fifth round, where Junior Adamu’s late equaliser and Sebastian Tounekti’s goal in extra time secured their progression.
In the quarter-final, Celtic needed penalties to overcome Rangers at Ibrox, winning the shootout 4-2 after a goalless draw. The semi-final against St Mirren also went to extra time, with Celtic ultimately winning after scoring four goals in six minutes.
Dunfermline’s Path to Hampden
Dunfermline began their cup run with a 2-1 win against Queen of the South, Chris Kane scoring twice. They then secured a victory against Hibernian, courtesy of an own goal. Further wins against Kelty Hearts and Aberdeen booked their place at Hampden, where they beat Falkirk 4-2 on penalties after a goalless draw.
Lennon vs. O’Neill: A Managerial Reunion
The final sees Neil Lennon face his former manager, Martin O’Neill. O’Neill signed Lennon for Leicester City and later brought him to Celtic in 2000. Lennon won seven major honours under O’Neill at Parkhead before becoming Celtic manager himself in 2010, winning 10 trophies across two spells. O’Neill has eight trophies to his name after lifting the Premiership trophy last weekend.
Lennon’s Challenge
Lennon must overcome his former mentor, O’Neill, to make history with Dunfermline.
The Scottish Cup final will be broadcast live on BBC One Scotland and BBC iPlayer, with live radio coverage on BBC Sounds.