Langton Nyakwenda-Zimpapers Sports Hub
SCOTTLAND goalkeeper Nelson Chadya will be hoping to extend his impressive clean-sheet record when Mabviravira host Angolan giants Petro Atletico in a TotalEnergies CAF Champions League 2026/27 second preliminary round first leg tie at the National Sports Stadium on Sunday.
The Angolan giants are expected in Harare at 6PM today and will have a feel of the turf around 3PM on Saturday.
Petro Atletico arrive in the country to face wounded Scottland who are reeling from a consequential league defeat against ZPC Kariba last weekend.
Mabviravira might have relinquished top spot to Hardrock in the Castle Lager Premier Soccer League race, but the reigning Zimbabwe football kings have a realistic chance of redeeming themselves in the CAF Champions League.
In agile goalkeeper Chadya, Scottland have a trumpcard.
The 29-year-old is yet to concede in this season’s CAF Champions League after keeping two clean sheets in the two preliminary legs against Eswatini champions Nsingizini Hotspurs.
Scottland beat the Eswatini champions 1-0 in Harare before drawing 0-0 in Mbabane.
Chadya has also registered 21 clean sheets in the 2026 Castle Lager Premier Soccer League, breaking a special record in the process as well as underlining his growing importance at Mabviravira.
Before last weekend’s shock 0-1 league defeat at ZPC Kariba, Chadya had gone for five games without conceding.
Also known as “Mawoko”, Chadya has risen to become one of the most trusted goalkeepers in the country and is one of the players being touted for the 2026 Soccer Star of the Year award.
He insists Scottland are ready to bounce back against Petro Atletico.
“Yes, the loss in Kariba affected us, but we have been preparing well for our next game.
“We have worked on our mistakes, and we will be solid on Sunday,” assured Chadya.
Scottland surrendered their position at the top of the PSL following the defeat in Kariba.
Hardrock are now two points clear with four rounds remaining.
However, Chadya believes the continental assignment provides an opportunity for them to restore “the much-needed confidence.”
“This is a different competition altogether, so we have to get into that game against Petro Atletico with our confidence levels high,” he said.
Scottland will be seeking a first-leg advantage before travelling to Luanda for the return leg at Estadio 11 de Novembro on October 23.
Petro Atletico advanced after eliminating Mozambique champions UD Songo, winning 1-0 away before drawing 2-2 at home.
“Anything is possible in football.
“We just have to keep believing in ourselves, and to the fans I want to say come in your numbers and support us,” added Chadya.
The winner between Scottland and Petro Atletico will qualify for the TotalEnergies CAF Champions League 2026/27 group stage.
Petro Atletico arrive in Zimbabwe on the back of a decent start to the 2026/27 Girabola season.
They are second on the log with 14 points out of a possible 18.
The 20-time Angolan champions, who are also known as the “Kangamba Boys”, have registered four wins and two draws from their opening six league games.
