Langton Nyakwenda, Zimpapers Sports Hub
THERE is optimism in the Petro Atletico de Luanda camp, following the return of a highly successful coach, but Scottland are not moved, as they believe they carry a significant advantage over the Angolan giants, going into Friday’s decisive TotalEnergies Caf Champions League second-round second-leg clash.
Mabviravira stunned the 20-time Angolan champions 2-0 at the National Sports Stadium in Harare last Sunday and now need to protect that lead at Estadio 11 de Novembro to secure a historic place in the group stage on their debut.
The return of Portuguese tactician Alexandre Santos has given Petro Atletico renewed hope, but Scottland skipper Walter Musona insists Mabviravira are firmly in control of their destiny.
The Zimbabwean champions arrived in Luanda on Tuesday afternoon, shortly after Petro Atletico announced Santos’ return, following the sacking of compatriot Joao Pedro Sousa, who was in charge during the first leg.
Santos enjoyed a hugely successful spell with the Angolan giants between 2021 and 2024, winning three league titles, three Angolan Cups and one Super Cup, while guiding the club to the Caf Champions League semi-finals.
However, Musona believes Scottland have the quality and determination to finish the job, with the players also eager to reward club president Pedzai “Scott” Sakupwanya for his financial backing.
The players received US$100 000 in cash from Sakupwanya after their first-leg victory, adding to the numerous rewards he has offered since the club’s promotion into the Premier Soccer League last season.
The businessman has also promised further rewards if Scottland qualify for the group stage.
“I think the game is in our hands as we are leading 2-0 from the first leg. It’s a huge advantage for us, but we still have work to do,” Musona told Zimpapers Sports Hub from Luanda.
“We don’t know how they play at their home ground, so we have to be solid in our defence and try to score at least one more goal to be safe, then we see what happens after that.
“As a team, we also have to return the favour to our club president, Scott Sakupwanya, by making sure we qualify for the Caf Champions League group stage.
“He has been there for us since this team was formed, so we are going to play for him and make him happy. We want to show him that we appreciate everything he is doing for us.”
Musona’s elder brother, Knowledge, and veteran forward Khama Billiat scored the goals that put Scottland in a commanding position ahead of Friday’s encounter, which kicks off at 4.30PM Zimbabwean time.
Scottland will also draw confidence from their defensive solidity, having yet to concede a goal in the three matches they have played in this season’s continental campaign.
Norman Mapeza’s men edged Eswatini’s Nsingizini Hotspurs 1-0 on aggregate in the first preliminary round before producing their impressive victory over Petro Atletico in Harare.
The first-leg defeat proved costly for Sousa, whose impressive coaching résumé counted for little against Mapeza’s charges.
Sousa previously worked as Marco Silva’s assistant at several clubs, including Portuguese giants Sporting CP and English Premier League side Everton, before taking charge of Portuguese top-flight teams Boavista and Famalicao.
Now, with Santos back at the helm and home advantage on their side, Petro Atletico will be desperate to overturn the deficit.
But Scottland have a golden opportunity to make history, and Musona believes his teammates are ready to seize it.
