Scottland’s title hopes dented after goalless draw with Chicken Inn

Scottland FC’s hopes of retaining the Castle Lager Premier Soccer League title suffered a major blow following a goalless draw with Chicken Inn FC at Rufaro Stadium on Wednesday.

Going into the fixture, Scottland knew nothing less than maximum points would do to keep pressure on log leaders Hardrock FC, who at that point held a five-point gap at the top.

But they failed to convert their chances, with Knowledge Musona and Khama Billiat hitting the woodwork and eventually settled for a goalless draw against a Chicken Inn FC side led by their former coach, Tonderai Ndiraya.

They also had a goal ruled out on the stroke of half-time. The result leaves Hardrock with a four-point advantage going into matchday 33. Hardrock FC have 69 points on their tally.

While Scottland will be facing Herentals College FC, Hardrock face a tricky test against Simba Bhora at Wadzanai Stadium. A win for Hardrock FC will see them seal the 2026 Castle Lager Premier Soccer League title with a game to spare.

For Scottland, it means they now have to pray that Hardrock drop points , something which looks unlikely considering how marauding Hardrock have been in their last nine matches, which they have won in flying colours. At this point, all Scottland can hope for is a miracle.

WHERE IT ALL WENT WRONG FOR SCOTTLAND FC

Scottland’s season was derailed by how they fared in the CAF Champions League, where they surrendered a two-goal advantage to lose 3-2 on aggregate at the hands of Petro de Luanda of Angola.

That elimination led to a technical team shake-up which saw them fire Norman Mapeza, and his firing resulted in the team losing their plot. The players are still adjusting.

More so, the scuffles that Mapeza had with some players also affected the team, and the dressing room has not fully recovered since. Nonetheless, Hardrock FC have given a good account of themselves and they have given Scottland FC a good run for their money.

Simply put, Scottland FC lost steam at a crucial stage of the season, while Hardrock started grinding results to go on top of the Castle Lager Premier Soccer League.

IT IS NOT YET OVER BUT ITS ADVANTAGE HARDROCK FC

Hardrock FC ahead of a match at Rufaro stadium. Picture by Fanzone/Libertino

But it is not yet over for both teams, as they have to see off their remaining fixtures to ensure success.

Hardrock have to win one of their two remaining matches, which are tough ones against Simba Bhora and FC Platinum, while Scottland FC have to see off their upcoming matches against Herentals College and Triangle United.

Nonetheless, Scottland will also be hoping to capitalise on the Munhumutapa Challenge Cup, where they face Herentals College in the semi-finals.

Scottland FC are now operating under coach Peter Ndlovu, following Mapeza’s dismissal after the team’s performance in the CAF Champions League.

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