Scottland FC made a strong statement in the CAF Champions League after defeating Angolan giants Petro de Luanda 2-0 in the second preliminary round first leg at the National Sports Stadium on Sunday.
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Read E-PaperExperienced forwards Khama Billiat and Knowledge Musona scored in the second half to hand the Zimbabwean champions a crucial advantage ahead of the return fixture in Angola next weekend.
Billiat broke the deadlock in the 66th minute, marking another milestone in his continental career with his seventh goal in the CAF Champions League, having previously scored once for Kaizer Chiefs and five times for Mamelodi Sundowns.
The former Zimbabwe Warriors international proved decisive again, turning provider for Musona, who doubled Scottland’s lead in the 79th minute to cap an impressive performance by the hosts.
Musona’s strike took his CAF Champions League goal tally to six, including five scored during his time at Kaizer Chiefs, underlining the experience the former Warriors captain brings to the Mabvuku-based outfit.
Scottland capitalised on their numerical advantage after Petro de Luanda’s goalkeeper was sent off early in the match for a professional foul on Panashe Mutimbanyoka.
Despite dominating large spells of the contest, the hosts had to wait until the second half to break down the Angolan side’s resistance.
The victory gives Scottland a two-goal cushion heading into the return leg in Luanda, where they will be looking to complete the job and advance to the next stage of Africa’s premier club competition.
However, the Zimbabwean champions will need another disciplined performance away from home to secure qualification against a Petro de Luanda side determined to overturn the deficit.
