Petro de Luanda Lodge CAF Complaint Over Scottland Defeat

Angolan giants Petro de Luanda have reportedly lodged an official complaint with the Confederation of African Football (CAF) over refereeing decisions in their 2-0 defeat to Zimbabwean champions Scottland FC in the CAF Champions League.

According to African sports journalist Micky Jnr, Petro are challenging the dismissal of goalkeeper Hugo Marques in the opening minute of Sunday’s first-leg encounter at the National Sports Stadium in Harare, as well as other decisions made by South African referee Abongile Tom.

The Angolan club has reportedly asked CAF to investigate the officiating and take appropriate action if any wrongdoing is established.

The controversy deepened after Marques claimed that Tom apologised to him after the match and admitted that the red card was a mistake. The goalkeeper reportedly made the revelation in a post on his Instagram account.

Marques’ dismissal left Petro playing with 10 men for almost the entire match, putting the visitors at an early disadvantage against the Zimbabwean side.

Scottland capitalised on their numerical advantage to secure a 2-0 victory, with Khama Billiat and Knowledge Musona scoring for the Harare-based club.

Petro will now look to overturn the deficit in the return leg in Angola as Scottland seek to protect their advantage and advance in the continental competition.

However, the reported complaint places the spotlight on the match officials, with CAF expected to assess the matter if it formally proceeds through the relevant channels.