By Tapiwa Chawagarira
LOBAMBA — Zimbabwean champions Scottland FC have taken another significant step toward continental glory, advancing to the second preliminary round of the CAF Champions League after a 1-0 aggregate victory over Eswatini side Nsingizini Hotspurs.
Scottland held their nerve in the return leg on Saturday, settling for a goalless draw at Somhlolo National Stadium in Lobamba to protect the slender advantage they had secured in the first leg in Harare.
The Harare giants had done the hard work at the National Sports Stadium last weekend, when Neville Tengeg scored the decisive goal to secure a 1-0 victory.
That result ultimately proved enough, as Scottland produced a disciplined defensive display in Eswatini to see out the tie and keep their continental campaign alive.
The result marks another landmark moment for the club, who are making their maiden appearance in Africa’s premier inter-club competition after being crowned 2025 Castle Lager Premier Soccer League champions.
Scottland will now turn their attention to the second preliminary round, where they will face either Mozambique’s UD Songo or Angolan side Atlético Petróleos.
The second preliminary round is scheduled for October, with the winner of the two-legged tie advancing to the CAF Champions League group stage.
For Scottland, the next assignment will be a considerably tougher test, but their ability to negotiate the opening round without conceding a goal should provide confidence as they seek to extend their historic continental adventure.
The club’s progress also provides Zimbabwean football with another opportunity to make an impact on the continental stage, with Scottland now just one round away from securing a place among Africa’s elite.
Having conquered the domestic scene last season, Scottland now faces the challenge of translating that success onto the African stage.
Their immediate objective will be to survive the second preliminary round and become the latest Zimbabwean club to reach the Champions League group stage.
For a club competing in the tournament for the first time, Saturday’s result represents more than just progression — it is a statement that Scottland intends to make their debut count.
