CAF Champions League: Wiliete coach Bianchi hails defensive display after Sundowns upset

Wiliete SC coach Beto Bianchi praised his side’s defensive discipline after the Angolan club eliminated reigning champions Mamelodi Sundowns to reach the CAF Champions League group stage for the first time.

Wiliete held Sundowns to a 1-1 draw at Loftus Versfeld on Friday night, progressing on the away-goals rule after the first leg in Lubango ended goalless.

Tashreeq Matthews gave the South African side an early lead in the 11th minute, but Cristóvão “Mabululu” Paciência equalised three minutes after half-time following a defensive error by Cassius Mailula.

Bianchi said his players had anticipated Sundowns’ dominance in possession and were well prepared to defend against the Pretoria-based side.

“I want to congratulate my players. It’s not every day you beat Mamelodi on their home turf. It was evident they would dominate possession at home. When it comes to defending in a low block, we did very well,” he said.

Sundowns controlled much of the contest and created several scoring opportunities, recording 18 shots compared with Wiliete’s six.

However, the hosts were unable to find a second goal as Wiliete held firm to secure a historic qualification for the group stage.

Bianchi acknowledged the pressure his side faced but said they had made the most of their opportunity in front of goal.

“They had many opportunities, goal-scoring opportunities, but this is football. We just took the one shot we did, and we are qualified now. That’s the most important thing for us,” he added.

The result represents a significant setback for Sundowns, who have failed to reach the group stage for the first time in 11 seasons. Their elimination also brings their title defence to an end before the competition’s main phase begins.

For Wiliete, meanwhile, the achievement fulfils a key objective set following Bianchi’s appointment. The coach had made it clear before the tie that his team needed to eliminate Sundowns to secure a place in the group stage.

The build-up to Friday’s decisive encounter had been overshadowed by reports of an alleged altercation between Bianchi and Sundowns assistant coach Steve Komphela after the first leg, following which the Wiliete coach was seen in an ambulance.

Wiliete’s historic qualification has now shifted the focus back to the football, with Bianchi and his players celebrating a result that ranks among the biggest achievements in the club’s history.