Wiliete eliminate African champions Mamelodi Sundowns in Champions League shock

Wiliete S.C. produced a major upset by eliminating reigning African champions Mamelodi Sundowns from the 2026/27 CAF Champions League on the away goals rule.

The Angolan side secured their place in the group stages after a 1-1 aggregate draw, having scored in the second leg at Loftus Versfeld in Tshwane. Sundowns had been held to a goalless draw in Angola last week and knew they could not afford another below-par performance at home.

Mamelodi Sundowns made the ideal start on Friday night when Tashreeq Matthews opened the scoring after 10 minutes. The goal settled the home side and gave the supporters at Loftus Versfeld reason to expect the champions to complete the job.

However, Brayan Leon missed two clear opportunities to extend the lead before half-time. On both occasions, he failed to show his customary sharpness in front of goal, leaving Sundowns vulnerable despite their control of the tie.

Wiliete capitalised shortly after the restart when a defensive error handed Mabululu the chance to equalise. Cassius Mailula’s under-hit back pass left Marcelo Allende unable to react, allowing the ball to run through to the experienced Angolan striker.

Mabululu went one-on-one with Ronwen Williams and finished calmly to put Wiliete ahead on the away goals rule. The goal was the visitors’ only opportunity of the match, but it was enough to send them through and bring Sundowns’ campaign to an unexpected end before the group stage.

The result marks the first time since 2015 that The Brazilians have failed to reach the CAF Champions League group stage. It also represents a disappointing early exit for Miguel Cardoso’s side, who entered the tie as defending champions.

Sundowns had been leading the Premiership table and had also won the MTN8 and the FIFA Africa-Asian-Pacific-Cup. Their elimination by Wiliete S.C. therefore damages the ambitions attached to what had otherwise been a successful season.