Online Reporter
Curtworth Masango, Zimpapers Sports Hub
SCOTTLAND coach Norman Mapeza has identified improved creativity, attacking balance and psychological readiness as key to completing the job against Nsingizini Hotspurs in the second leg of their CAF Champions League preliminary-round tie in Eswatini.
The reigning champions carry a 1-0 advantage secured through substitute Tengeng’s 67th-minute strike at the National Sports Stadium on Sunday.
Scottland have moved their preparations to South Africa and are expected to travel to Eswatini tomorrow for the decisive encounter.
Despite playing against 10 men from the third minute, Mapeza’s charges struggled to break down a determined Nsingizini defence and created few clear chances, particularly in the opening half.
“We wanted to be more creative, but that creativity wasn’t there, especially in the first half,” said Mapeza.
“We created a few chances, but it wasn’t enough. In the second half, we made some changes during the break and improved a little bit.
“Playing against 10 men is usually very difficult because those guys were fighting for their lives. At the end of the day, we won, and that is the most important thing.”
Mapeza also wants greater attacking balance after much of Scottland’s threat came from one flank.
“There wasn’t much activity on the other side. We wanted to create more balance, but we couldn’t do it on both sides,” he said.
The coach expects Nsingizini to adopt a more adventurous approach at home, where they need to overturn the deficit.
That could create counter-attacking opportunities for Scottland, but Mapeza warned his players to prepare for a demanding contest.
“We need to be very cautious and plan properly,” he said.
“When we get there, we will see what is available and what we will be dealing with on the day. We need to be psychologically prepared for what we are going to face.”
Nsingizini will draw confidence from having beaten Zimbabwean champions Simba Bhora in continental competition last year.
That result serves as a warning to Scottland against complacency and underlines the importance of retaining an attacking threat instead of defending their advantage throughout the match.
Mapeza, who has considerable experience in two-legged continental assignments, refused to celebrate prematurely.
“I have been in this situation before, but I cannot start saying too much,” he said.
“I am not celebrating yet. We still have another match to play, and we can only talk after that game.”
