Mamelodi Sundowns knocked out of CAF Champions League by Wiliete SC

Mamelodi Sundowns’ CAF Champions League title defence ended with a shock second-round exit after Wiliete SC secured a 1-1 draw in Friday night’s second leg.

The result left the tie level at 1-1 on aggregate, but Wiliete progressed to the group stages for the first time in their history after scoring the crucial away goal.

Sundowns welcomed back goalkeeper Ronwen Williams, who had missed the first leg last weekend. Teboho Mokoena, however, failed to recover from the injury he suffered in that match, with Bathusi Aubaas brought back into the starting line-up in his place.

Miguel Cardoso’s side made a strong start and took the lead after 11 minutes. Tashreeq Matthews’ effort took a deflection on its way into the net, leaving the Wiliete goalkeeper with no chance.

The South African champions controlled possession for much of the remainder of the first half, forcing the Angolan visitors to attack as they looked for the goal that would put them ahead in the tie.

Aubrey Modiba nearly extended Sundowns’ advantage with a long-range effort, but his shot was brilliantly saved. The hosts also had to remain wary of Wiliete’s counter-attacking threat, with Williams making an important intervention to ensure Sundowns went into the interval in front.

Wiliete levelled within the opening five minutes of the second half. Angola international Mabululu struck to make it 1-1 and give the visitors the away goal they needed.

Sundowns appeared to have restored their lead a few minutes later when Brayan Leon finished from close range. Their celebrations were cut short, though, after the goal was disallowed for a foul in the build-up.

Cardoso made changes in an attempt to find a winner. Cassius Mailula was replaced by Siyanda Ndlovu, before Antonio van Wyk and Thapelo Morena came on with about 20 minutes remaining for Modiba and Thabang Matuludi.

The substitutions did not produce the required second goal, however, as Wiliete held on to claim a historic qualification for the CAF Champions League group stages.

Mamelodi Sundowns line-up: Ronwen Williams, Ndamane, Khoza, Thabang Matuludi, Aubrey Modiba, Bathusi Aubaas, Allende, Santos, Tashreeq Matthews, Cassius Mailula, Brayan Leon.

Substitutes: Goss, Rayners, Thapelo Morena, Zwane, Cele, Basadien, Antonio van Wyk, Siyanda Ndlovu, Mvala.

CAF Champions League second preliminary round, second leg: Mamelodi Sundowns 1-1 Wiliete SC (1-1 aggregate). Scorers: Tashreeq Matthews (11), Mabululu (49).