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Petro de Luanda sack coach ahead of Scottland decider
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Angolan champions Petro de Luanda have sacked head coach Joao Pedro Sousa following their 2-0 defeat to Zimbabwean champions Scottland, a development that could boost the visitors' hopes of advancing in the CAF Champions League.
The two teams meet again on Friday in Luanda for the second leg of their second preliminary-round tie, with Scottland holding a valuable advantage after Sunday's victory in Harare.
Petro Atletico announced Sousa's departure on Tuesday through a "Thank you" message on its social media platforms, following reports that his position was under threat after the defeat.
The coach's future had reportedly been the subject of discussions shortly after the final whistle, with a formal decision expected once the team returned to Angola. Sousa was subsequently dismissed upon the club's arrival in Luanda.
The coaching change comes as Scottland, led by Norman Mapeza, prepare for the decisive encounter. The Zimbabwean champions arrived in Luanda on Tuesday and are focused on completing the job against the Angolan giants.
Mapeza has, however, cautioned that his team still has considerable work to do in the return leg despite taking a two-goal lead into the match.
In Harare, veteran forwards Khama Billiat and Knowledge Musona scored to give Scottland a crucial victory and bring the club closer to a potential place in the Champions League group stage.
Musona has also highlighted the understanding he shares with Billiat, explaining that their partnership dates back to their school days.
"It didn't start now . . . I was playing with Khama right from school," Musona said on the Scottland podcast.
"We do not need to communicate. He knows where I want the ball, and I know where he wants the ball."
Petro de Luanda will now have to navigate the return fixture amid uncertainty over their technical leadership, while Scottland will seek to protect their advantage and move closer to a historic qualification for the group stage of Africa's premier club competition.
The two teams meet again on Friday in Luanda for the second leg of their second preliminary-round tie, with Scottland holding a valuable advantage after Sunday's victory in Harare.
Petro Atletico announced Sousa's departure on Tuesday through a "Thank you" message on its social media platforms, following reports that his position was under threat after the defeat.
The coach's future had reportedly been the subject of discussions shortly after the final whistle, with a formal decision expected once the team returned to Angola. Sousa was subsequently dismissed upon the club's arrival in Luanda.
The coaching change comes as Scottland, led by Norman Mapeza, prepare for the decisive encounter. The Zimbabwean champions arrived in Luanda on Tuesday and are focused on completing the job against the Angolan giants.
Mapeza has, however, cautioned that his team still has considerable work to do in the return leg despite taking a two-goal lead into the match.
In Harare, veteran forwards Khama Billiat and Knowledge Musona scored to give Scottland a crucial victory and bring the club closer to a potential place in the Champions League group stage.
Musona has also highlighted the understanding he shares with Billiat, explaining that their partnership dates back to their school days.
"It didn't start now . . . I was playing with Khama right from school," Musona said on the Scottland podcast.
"We do not need to communicate. He knows where I want the ball, and I know where he wants the ball."
Petro de Luanda will now have to navigate the return fixture amid uncertainty over their technical leadership, while Scottland will seek to protect their advantage and move closer to a historic qualification for the group stage of Africa's premier club competition.
Source - The Herald
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