Dunfermline clinched the final spot in the last 16 after a late Chris Kane penalty earned a Sunday win at St Mirren, progressing as one of the three best runners-up at the expense of Championship rivals Queen’s Park.
Although St Mirren topped their group on goal difference, the defeat cost them a seeded place in Sunday’s draw.
Reacting to an away tie at Rangers, manager Craig McLeish said he was disappointed, noting they had a chance to win the group and be seeded, but the draw hadn’t fallen kindly. He added it’s a big occasion and they must now look ahead to the next round.
Rangers boss Derek McInnes was pleased simply to land a home tie, telling Rangers TV that facing a likely Premiership opponent is a challenge—especially one that won the cup last season—but home advantage is something to appreciate.
Dunfermline head coach Neil Lennon felt his team “deserved our victory” after a dominant final half hour against St Mirren, but warned of another stern test despite County now playing in the division below. He stressed that a home tie matters most, yet praised Ross County’s form following their disappointing relegation and vowed not to take anything for granted.
Aberdeen, Ayr, Dundee United, Inverness Caledonian Thistle, Kilmarnock, County and Stenhousemuir won their groups, with Dundee and Partick Thistle advancing as runners-up.
Celtic, Heart of Midlothian, Hibernian, Motherwell and Rangers received byes to the last 16 as Scotland’s European representatives.
While the Old Firm drew top-flight opposition, the other three seeded sides face Championship clubs: Hearts host Caley Thistle, Hibs welcome Partick Thistle, and Motherwell travel to Stenhousemuir.
Second-round fixtures are scheduled for the weekend of 15–16 August.