Scottland sack Norman Mapeza after stunning Petro de Luanda exit in CAF Champions League

Scottland FC have reportedly dismissed coach Norman Mapeza with immediate effect, a day after the Zimbabwean champions were eliminated from the CAF Champions League by Petro de Luanda. Scottland travelled to Angola with a 2-0 lead from the first leg but lost the return match 3-0 on Friday, going out 3-2 on aggregate.

Mapeza's departure was reported on Sunday, 25 October. Scottland had not publicly announced a successor by Monday.

Petro de Luanda reversed the tie in front of their home supporters, with goals from Ruben Aderito, Jorge Pereira and Pedro Aparicio. The decisive goal came in the 85th minute.

Two of Petro's goals followed corner kicks, an area Mapeza said his side had failed to defend properly after the match. The defeat ended Scottland's bid to reach the Champions League group stage in the club's first campaign in the competition.

Petro had also parted ways with their coach, João Pedro Sousa, after Scottland's 2-0 first-leg win. Mapeza's departure comes amid domestic pressure Mapeza joined Scottland in November 2025 on a two-year deal, replacing Tonderai Ndiraya after the club's maiden Premier Soccer League title.

His appointment was intended to help the team compete both in Zimbabwe and on the continent. The club's continental exit has come amid pressure in the domestic title race.

Scottland were second in the league on 61 points, with leaders Hardrock FC ahead of them. Scottland had two games in hand.

The timing of the dismissal has raised questions about whether the Champions League defeat was the only factor behind the decision. Earlier in October, reports had suggested Scottland could part ways with Mapeza at the end of the season amid dissatisfaction with their domestic form.

The club has not publicly explained the reasons for the immediate change. The club's next decision will shape its effort to defend the title after the abrupt end to its continental run.