Aberdeen FC won a penalty shootout against Kilmarnock after extra time to reach the Premier Sports Cup semi-finals. The match ended 1-1 after 90 minutes, with Kevin Nisbet scoring for Aberdeen in the 52nd minute.
Dan Happe was shown a second yellow card and sent off shortly after, allowing Tyreece John-Jules to equalise for Kilmarnock from a free-kick. Aberdeen forced Max Stryjek into multiple saves in the closing stages of extra time but could not find a winner.
In the shootout, Marius Muller made three saves to help Aberdeen prevail. Nesta Guinness-Walker missed the first penalty, but Ayoub Mouloua, who replaced Nisbet 10 minutes before the shootout, scored a Panenka. Jack Milne scored the decisive penalty and celebrated with head coach Stephen Robinson at full-time.
Aberdeen’s victory marked their first away win against Premiership opposition since last December. The team have earned four points from five league games this season, sitting 10th in the Premiership with a goal difference of -5.
Stephen Robinson praised his players after the match, saying: “He badly needed his men to come clutch here.” Neil McCann criticised his Kilmarnock side, stating: “There was no spark in his players when this game was there for the winning.”
Aberdeen face upcoming away fixtures against Motherwell and Hibernian, with their next home game against Motherwell scheduled for 2026-12-30. The pitch invasion by Aberdeen’s away supporters after the shootout may result in investigation and punishment from authorities.
The club’s league goal scorers this season are Kevin Nisbet (10 goals, nine in this competition) and Lewis Mayo (one goal). Mitchy Ntelo played alongside Nisbet before being substituted for Toyosi Olusanya at half-time, with Findlay Marshall replacing Stuart Armstrong at the start of extra time.
Aberdeen forced Max Stryjek into multiple saves at the end of extra time but are not creating enough chances. They need to finish in the top four minimum in the league table to meet seasonal objectives.
Erik Ring and Tom Lowery forced saves from Marius Muller in the first half for Kilmarnock, while Mark O'Hara’s penalty was saved by Muller. John-Jules and Aaron Tshibola’s efforts were described as pathetic by observers.
The match was described as entertaining but not inspiring, with both teams performing below par. Aberdeen sit 14 points behind league leaders Celtic and have won one, drawn two, and lost two of their last five games.
Their last meeting with Kilmarnock ended in a 1-1 draw on 2026-09-12. Aberdeen FC sit 10th in Premiership on 4 points after 5 games. The next fixture is Motherwell at home on 2026-12-30; Motherwell currently sit 5th.
Stephen Robinson said he was "so proud of the team" for their character after playing 70 minutes with ten men to win the cup tie. The manager stated it would take "two and three windows" to build the squad he wants. Aberdeen, 10th in the Premiership with four points, face Motherwell next. The club confirmed the squad rebuild was necessary, having signed 14 players after losing more from the inherited group.
Kilmarnock FC confirmed their elimination from the Premier Sports Cup after the penalty shootout defeat. The club's match report detailed Max Stryjek's early save from a Kevin Nisbet header and noted a strong first-half penalty claim for Joe Hugill that was waved away by referee Don Robertson. VAR reviewed the incident and saw no issue, Kilmarnock stated. The attendance at BBSP Stadium Rugby Park was 6,551. Aberdeen, 10th in the Premiership with four points, face Motherwell next.
