Scottland FC stun Petro Atletico as Zimbabwean champions make Champions League mark

Scottland FC made a memorable CAF Champions League debut by beating Angolan giants Petro Atletico 2-0 in their second preliminary round first leg on Sunday.

The Zimbabwean champions had already overcome Eswatini champions Nsingizini Hotspurs in the previous round, but faced a significantly tougher test against Petro Atletico.

After a goalless first half, Khama Billiat gave Scottland FC the lead in the 67th minute. Knowledge Musona then added a second goal during the final 10 minutes to give Norman Mapeza’s side a valuable advantage ahead of the return leg.

The result continues a strong start to Scottland FC’s first campaign in Africa’s premier club competition and leaves them in a favourable position to reach the next stage.

Asswehly claim surprise win over Esperance

Four-time champions Esperance were beaten 1-0 by CAF Champions League newcomers Asswehly in the opening leg of their second preliminary round tie on Sunday.

Neither side managed to score before half-time, but the match opened up after the break as the Tunisian giants looked for an advantage against their Libyan opponents.

Esperance, also known as Al Taraji, were unable to establish control and conceded a controversial penalty midway through the second half. Ayoub Ayeb converted from the spot to secure a notable victory for Asswehly.

The result leaves Esperance with work to do in the second leg as they attempt to overturn the deficit.

Rangers take advantage after MC Alger red card

Rangers International moved closer to the CAF Champions League group stages with a 2-0 victory over MC Alger in their second preliminary round first leg at the MKO Abeola Sports Complex.

The Algerian champions were reduced to 10 players nine minutes into the second half when Oussama Benhaoua was sent off, giving the Nigerian hosts an important advantage.

Rangers were unable to make the breakthrough immediately, but produced a decisive late surge. Kenneth Igboke opened the scoring and Emo James added a second, with both goals coming in the final three minutes.

Al-Hilal secure commanding advantage

Al-Hilal Omdurman also took a major step towards the group stages after recording a 2-0 away win against Ethiopian champions Sidama Bunna.

The Sudanese side benefited from an own goal during the opening quarter of the match, putting Sidama Bunna on the back foot early on.

Sidama Bunna could not find a way back into the contest, and Al-Hilal sealed the victory at the death when their star striker Mohamed Abdelrahman scored.

The return leg will be played in Omdurman next weekend, with Al-Hilal holding a two-goal lead.