Sunday Chidzambwa backs Scottland to go all the way in Champions League
Former Warriors coach Sunday ‘Mhofu’ Chidzambwa has backed Scottland FC to go beyond the group phase in the 2026/27 CAF Champions League, saying ‘they have all they need’.
Chidzambwa believes the Zimbabwean champions have the quality to shock the continent when they face Angolan giants Atlético Petróleos de Luanda in the second preliminary round.
Scottland booked their place after edging Eswatini side Nsingizini Hotspurs 1-0 on aggregate, while the Angolans progressed after beating Mozambique’s UD Songo 3-2 on aggregate.
The Angolan giants are record 20-time winners of the Angolan top-flight league and will provide a stern test for Scottland, who are making their debut in the competition.
They are no strangers to the big stage. Petro de Luanda famously reached the semi-finals of the CAF Champions League in the 2021/22 season after a historic run.
In the quarter-finals, they knocked out South Africa’s Mamelodi Sundowns 3-2 on aggregate, securing a 2-1 win at home before holding the Brazilians to a vital 1-1 draw in Johannesburg.
Their dream run was only ended in the semi-finals by Morocco’s Wydad Casablanca, who progressed 3-2 on aggregate.
THE DEADLY TRIO: Walter Musona, Knowledge Musona ans Khama-Billiat celebrating a goal. Picture by Scottland FC
SCOTTLAND HAVE ALL THEY NEED, SAYS CHIDZAMBWA
In an interview with Fanzone, Chidzambwa said players like Khama Billiat, who have previously won the CAF Champions League before, will spur the team’s dream.
“I have watched Scottland and I believe they have what it takes to go beyond the group phase. They are organised, they are disciplined and they have a strong mentality,” Chidzambwa told Fanzone.
“Playing in Africa for the first time is never easy, but this is a team with experienced players, they are balanced and they have the resources. If they believe in themselves, they can go all the way.”
“Petro de Luanda is a big team with 20 league titles, but football is played on the pitch. Scottland should not be intimidated, because they have the depth to win against any team,” he added.
The second preliminary round will be played between the 16th and 25th of October, with the winner over the two legs advancing to the CAF Champions League group phase.
Despite being eliminated from the Chibuku Super Cup by Hardrock FC, Scottland are now fighting on three fronts, hoping to keep progressing in the CAF Champions League, to win the maiden Munhumutapa Challenge Cup and to retain the Castle Lager Premier Soccer League.
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