Shock as Sundowns crash out of CAF Champions League
The two teams played out a 1-1 draw at Loftus Versfeld on Friday night, with the Angolan side booking their place in the group stage.
Wiliete SC stunned the African football world by eliminating holders Mamelodi Sundowns from the CAF Champions League in the second leg of the second preliminary round. The match, held at Loftus Versfeld, ended in a 1-1 draw, with Wiliete claiming progression to the group stage via away goals. This marks the first time since 2015 that Sundowns have failed to advance to the group stage.
The game kicked off with Thabang Matuludi failing to capitalize on a header in the fifth minute. Sundowns equalized through Tashreeq Matthews in the 11th minute after a deflection off a Wiliete defender. Wiliete's Gilberto came close to a comeback in the 26th minute, but Williams made a crucial save. Sundowns dominated the first half, but Wiliete's Mabululu leveled the score in the 46th minute from a Cassius Mailula pass.
Brayan León went close to restoring Sundowns' lead just before halftime, but his goal was disallowed for a foul. The tension escalated in the second half, with Sundowns creating several chances but failing to convert. Cardoso made five substitutions in the 62nd minute, including Siyanda Ndlovu, Antonio van Wyk, Thapelo Morena, León, Themba Zwane, and Iqraam Rayners.
Despite Sundowns' late surge, Wiliete held firm to secure a memorable victory, leaving disappointed Sundowns fans to grapple with the shocking exit.
Written by urgent.news from The Citizen's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
