Dunfermline became the final team to book a place in the last 16 after Chris Kane converted a late penalty to earn Sunday’s away victory over St Mirren. The result sent them through as one of the three highest-ranked runners-up, eliminating Championship rivals Queen’s Park.
St Mirren remained top of the group on goal difference, but the loss cost them a seeded place in Sunday’s draw.
After his team were handed an away tie against Rangers, manager Craig McLeish said: “From my perspective, it is frustrating because we had an opportunity to win the group, secure seeded status and receive a more favourable draw.
“I felt a goal should have been awarded to us, although ultimately we only have ourselves to blame.”
Dunfermline head coach Neil Lennon was far more satisfied with the outcome.
“We performed strongly during the final 30 minutes and, in my view, fully merited the win,” he said.
“Securing a home fixture matters most, but Ross County have enjoyed an outstanding campaign following the major disappointment of relegation, so we certainly will not underestimate them.”
The remaining group winners were Aberdeen, Ayr, Dundee United, Inverness Caledonian Thistle, Kilmarnock, County and Stenhousemuir, while Dundee and Partick Thistle advanced among the runners-up.
Celtic, Heart of Midlothian, Hibernian, Motherwell and Rangers received automatic places in the last 16 because of their involvement in European competition.
The two Glasgow rivals will face fellow top-division teams, while the other three clubs meet Championship opposition. Hearts welcome Caley Thistle, Hibs host Partick Thistle and Motherwell travel to Stenhousemuir.
The second-round fixtures are scheduled for the weekend of 15-16 August.
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