Zimpapers Sports Hub
THE decision by Angolan champions Petro de Luanda to sack head coach Joao Pedro Sousa following Sunday’s 2-0 defeat to Scottland could come in handy for the Zimbabwean champions.
The two teams face each other again in the CAF Champions League second preliminary round second-leg tie on Friday.
But Petro de Luanda this time will be without their coach, portraying more of a house in disarray, unless they come up with something special today and tomorrow, before the showdown.
Petro Atletico announced Sousa’s departure yesterday with a “Thank you” message on their social media pages.
Coach Norman Mapeza could not have anticipated this, but he has insisted there is still a lot of work to be done in the second leg.
Reports from Luanda suggested that Sousa’s future was on the line hours after the final whistle, although this was subject to a formal meeting once the team returned from Harare.
Petro then met his fate upon arrival.
On the other hand, when the Angolan giants were busy making technical adjustments, Mapeza’s charges had already arrived in Luanda yesterday and were preparing for the Friday showdown.
In Harare, Scottland, who are on the verge of making history and qualifying for the group stage of Africa’s elite club tournament, scored through veterans Khama Billiat and Knowledge Musona.
Appearing on the Scottland podcast, Musona was asked about his combination with Khama and said it comes naturally.
“It didn’t start now . . . I was playing with Khama right from school,” said Musona.
“We do not need to communicate. He knows where I want the ball, and I know where he wants the ball.”
