Sengu backs Scottland to break Zimbabwe's six year jinx for CAF Champions League group stage

Former Warriors and CAPS United defender David Sengu believes Scottland FC have a big chance of reaching the CAF Champions League group stage after their commanding 2-0 victory over Angolan giants Petro de Luanda at the National Sports Stadium on Sunday. Sengu reckons Scottland's approach to the return leg would be crucial as they seek to become the first Zimbabwean club in six years to reach the competition's lucrative group stage.

WHAT DAVID SENGU SAID "If they are treated well and go into the match with the mindset of taking the game, they do stand a chance. Them going into the mini-league is crucial for Zimbabwe and its clubs, as we will get not just recognition on the continent but another slot in the coming seasons," Sengu said.

"It's not going to be easy, especially playing away in Angola, where the club commands a huge fan base, and this time playing against 11 men." Scottland are chasing a place among Zimbabwe's continental representatives after Dynamos, CAPS United and FC Platinum all reached the group stage in previous campaigns. CAPS United made it in 2017, while FC Platinum reached the group stage in consecutive campaigns between 2018 and 2020.

The Zvishavane-based side were the last Zimbabwean representatives at that stage, in the 2020 campaign. However, Zimbabwe's continental history stretches further back.

Dynamos remain the only local club to reach the final of Africa's premier club competition, finishing runners-up to Ivory Coast's ASEC Mimosas in 1998. The recent record has been difficult.

Ngezi Platinum Stars were eliminated by DR Congo's AS Maniema Union on penalties in 2024, while Simba Bhora suffered the same fate against Eswatini's Nsingizini Hotspurs in 2025. Scottland now have an opportunity to change that narrative.

Their two-goal advantage gives them a platform, but Petro's home support and the challenge of the return leg mean the tie remains alive. RELATED STORY:Scottland beat Petro de Luanda to take first-leg advantage