Petro Atlético goalkeeper Hugo Marques was handed the fastest red card in African Champions League history as he was expelled after 25 seconds of Sunday’s second round, first leg tie in Zimbabwe by South African referee Abongile Tom.
The 40-year-old Angola international, who was previously at Cape Town City and voted best goalkeeper in the Premier Soccer League for the 2021–22 campaign, was handed a straight red for a dangerous challenge on the Scottland midfielder Panashe Mutimbanyoka inside the opening minute of the game.
It forced Petro to make an immediate change as they took off midfielder Mario Balbúdia to accommodate second-choice goalkeeper Neblu, who like Marques is an Angolan international.
The 10-man Petro held out for more than an hour at the National Sports Stadium in Harare before the hosts broke through with a goal from former Ajax Cape Town, Mamelodi Sundowns and Kaizer Chiefs star Khama Billiat.
Ex-Chiefs striker Knowledge Musona then added a second to give the Zimbabwean newcomers a two-goal lead to take to the second leg in Luanda, which is being played on Friday.
Billiat scored in the 66th-minute lead before setting up Musona for the second 10 minutes from time. A cross from former Polokwane City winger Walter Musona was met by Billiat, who then set up the second goal as he made space before passing for
Musona to double the score.
Scottland coach Norman Mapeza praised the impact of the two veteran marksmen.
“That’s why they’re here. I think whatever they bring to the team, I can’t place any value on it. It’s priceless,” said Mapeza.
“Playing against 10 men is never easy. Such games are difficult,” he added.
Petro coach Joao Sousa said: “A bad result and a bad game. It was very hard, very difficult. We tried to manage the game after the red card, but it was very difficult. The confidence dropped.”