By Milton Marima
Scottland FC moved closer to the CAF Champions League group stages after beating Angolan giants Petro de Luanda 2-0 in the second preliminary round first-leg encounter at the National Sports Stadium in Harare on Sunday.
The Zimbabwean champions capitalised on an early red card to Petro goalkeeper Hugo Marques before second-half goals from Khama Billiat and Knowledge Musona secured a crucial home victory.
Petro were reduced to 10 men in the opening minute when Marques was shown a straight red card for bringing down Scottland forward Panashe Mutimbanyoka outside the penalty area as he raced towards goal.
Despite enjoying a numerical advantage for almost the entire match, Scottland struggled to find a breakthrough in the opening half, with Petro maintaining a disciplined defensive shape.
The two sides went into the break level at 0-0.
Scottland increased the pressure after the restart and were eventually rewarded in the 67th minute when Billiat opened the scoring.
The former Kaizer Chiefs winger finished from a delivery by substitute Walter Musona, who had replaced Emmanuel Jalai.
Scottland continued to push forward in search of a second goal and were rewarded in the 80th minute when Musona doubled the hosts’ lead.
The 2-0 victory gives Scottland a significant advantage heading into the second leg in Angola, although coach Norman Mapeza’s side will need to remain focused against an experienced Petro de Luanda outfit.
Mapeza welcomed the result but acknowledged the challenge his players faced in breaking down Petro’s defence despite the numerical advantage.
Scottland will travel to Angola for the second leg on Friday, October 23, with a place in the CAF Champions League group stages at stake.
The Zimbabwean champions will qualify with a win or draw in the second leg, while a one-goal defeat would also see them advance on aggregate.
Petro de Luanda, however, will need to win by at least three goals without conceding to overturn the deficit and eliminate Scottland in normal time.
