Mamelodi Sundowns stunned by Wiliete SC exit from Champions League

Defending champions Mamelodi Sundowns have been eliminated from the Champions League by Angola’s Wiliete SC at the preliminary stage after a 1-1 aggregate draw was decided by the away goals rule.

Sundowns’ failure to score in last weekend’s first leg proved costly, with Wiliete SC advancing after holding the South African side to a draw at Loftus on Friday night.

The unexpected result will increase pressure on coach Miguel Cardoso, with the Champions League regarded as the trophy Sundowns want most. It comes only a few weeks after they celebrated an MTN8 final victory over Orlando Pirates in Durban.

Wiliete SC, who lead Angola’s Girabola League, recovered from falling behind to Tashreeq Matthews in the first half. Veteran striker Cristovao ‘Mabululu’ Paciencia levelled after the break to send his side through.

Sundowns had taken control after 11 minutes when Matthews’ left-footed effort from outside the penalty area took a deflection off a Wiliete SC player and rolled into an unguarded net.

The hosts controlled much of the early play, with Aubrey Modiba, Thabang Matuludi and Marcelo Allende regularly supplying Brayan Leon and Cassius Mailula in the penalty area.

Wiliete SC came close to an equaliser before half-time, but Sundowns goalkeeper Ronwen Williams reacted quickly to deny former Orlando Pirates midfielder Deivi Miguel Vieira by stretching out his legs.

The Angolan side eventually drew level in the 48th minute when Mabululu punished a mistake in the Sundowns defence. Mailula’s pass back was underhit, the ball travelled beyond Allende and fell to the experienced forward, who finished past the advancing Williams.

Cardoso made his first change shortly after the hour mark, replacing the ineffective Mailula with attacker Siyanda Ndlovu as Sundowns searched for a way through.

He then introduced Thapelo Morena and Antonio van Wyk for Matuludi and Modiba, attempting to add fresh attacking impetus and find the goal that would put Sundowns ahead in the tie.

The elimination ends Sundowns’ run of qualifying for the Champions League group stages every year since 2016, when they went on to win the competition.

Their previous failure to reach the group stage came in 2015, when they were beaten by TP Mazembe of the DRC.

Sundowns’ departure means Orlando Pirates will be South Africa’s only representatives in the Champions League this season.