Mamelodi Sundowns Suffer Shock CAF Champions League Exit After Wiliete Draw
Defending champions Mamelodi Sundowns have been eliminated from the CAF Champions League after a 1-1 draw against Angola’s Wiliete SC on Friday night saw the South African side exit the competition on the away-goals rule.
The return-leg encounter at Loftus Versfeld Stadium in Pretoria ended 1-1, leaving the tie level at 1-1 on aggregate following a goalless first-leg draw in Angola.
Sundowns made a promising start, with Tashreeq Matthews opening the scoring in the 11th minute to put the hosts in front and raise hopes of progressing to the group stage.
However, Wiliete responded early in the second half when experienced Angolan striker Cristóvão “Mabululu” Paciência capitalised on a defensive mistake to equalise in the 49th minute.
The visitors’ goal proved decisive, giving Wiliete the advantage under the away-goals rule. Sundowns pressed for a winner but failed to find the breakthrough needed to keep their title defence alive.
The result marks a major upset for the reigning champions, who had reached the CAF Champions League group stage in each of the previous 11 editions. Their continental campaign ends at the preliminary stage, with Wiliete securing a historic place in the group phase for the first time.
Meanwhile, South African rivals Orlando Pirates advanced to the group stage after defeating Namibia’s African Stars 4-0 in the second leg to complete a 5-0 aggregate victory.
Sundowns will now turn their attention to domestic competitions following a disappointing end to their bid to retain Africa’s premier club football title.
