Caley Thistle attacker Andrea Mbuyi-Mutombo reckons his team-mates proved how determined they are to hang on to the Scottish Cup trophy by coming from behind to earn a replay against Hibernian.
James Keatings looked to have put the Easter Road side into the final four of the competition after netting nine minutes after the restart yesterday.
But Congo international Mbuyi-Mutombo came off the bench to net a late equaliser for John Hughes’ side with his second goal of the season.
The sides will meet in the replay at the Caledonian Stadium on March 16 with the winner taking on Dundee United on April 16 or 17, while Rangers will meet Celtic in the other Hampden semi-final.
Mbuyi-Mutombo, who joined Inverness in the summer, said: “Before the game the players were talking about how some of them got to live the dream last season and how we wanted those who weren’t here to experience it this time.
“We want to keep our hands on the cup, we are really motivated to bring it home.
“Hibs are a good side so we will have to work hard like we always do in the replay.
“We are always trying to do better. We will have home advantage but both teams will have a chance.
“I expect a tough game.”
Mbuyi-Mutombo had missed Caley Thistle’s recent matches against Dundee and Hearts because of a knee injury but passed a fitness test to feature on the bench for Caley Thistle.
The Inverness side had looked to be heading out of the competition before Lewis Horner and Mbuyi-Mutombo were introduced for the closing stages.
Both players were involved in the equaliser, coming only four minutes after Mbuyi-Mutombo had replaced Iain Vigurs.
He added: “I only trained for the first time on Saturday. I wasn’t 100% but when it is a big game like this I wanted to be part of the team.
“It was a good decision as we managed to get the draw. I am happy because it was a tough game against a very good team.
“I don’t know a lot about Scottish football so I was very surprised.
“The manager asked me to go on and get close to the goal and it was a brilliant pass by Jordan Roberts and I just took a shot.
“We now focus and work hard to try to keep hold of the cup.”