Nsingizini 0-0 Scottland
MANZINI, Eswatini – Scottland reached the second round of the CAF Champions League preliminary round on Saturday after a goalless draw away to Eswatini side Nsingizini preserved their 1-0 first-leg advantage.
They will face Atlético Petróleos de Luanda of Angola in the second round. The Angolans beat Mozambique’s UD Songo 3-2 on aggregate.
Scottland coach Norman Mapeza made a string of what he described as “tactical” changes from the first leg, catching the hosts off guard with several players who had not featured in the opening match.
He reshuffled the back four, leaving out Peter Muduhwa and Kwakhe Twala, while Emmanuel Jalai missed out through injury.
Star player Khama Billiat and winger Panashe Mutimbanyoka were also left on the bench.
In their places came Al-Ameen Tijani, Issaka Mohamed, Nickson Nyasulu and Neville Tengeg, while Seth Patrick was handed his debut.
“That’s why we are here as coaches,” said Mapeza after the match.
“The guys worked so hard, and the credit should go to them.”
Clear-cut chances were limited at both ends, but Scottland could have put the tie beyond doubt in the 65th minute when Mthokozisi Msebe found Tengeg unmarked inside the penalty area. The Cameroonian striker, however, headed over the bar.
Mohamed also struck the side-netting early in the first half, and the force of his shot tore the net and forced a five-minute stoppage as it was repaired.
Scottland now turn their attention to the second preliminary round, with the first leg scheduled for October 16-18 and the return leg set for October 23-25.
