Mamelodi Sundowns suffer shock CAF Champions League exit

Mamelodi Sundowns’ defence of the CAF Champions League ended in the second round after Wiliete SC eliminated the South African champions on the away-goals rule.

The Brazilians drew 1-1 in the second leg, bringing their campaign to an unexpectedly early conclusion and ending their run before the group stage for the first time since 2015.

Sundowns’ departure places them among a select group of African champions who have failed to progress deep into the competition while attempting to retain the continental title. Their elimination is particularly surprising given the club’s status and recent success, but they are not the first major African side to suffer such a setback.

Raja Casablanca experienced a similar disappointment in 2000, a year after winning the 1999 title. The Moroccan club were knocked out in the second round by Senegalese side ASC Jeanne d’Arc after the tie finished 2-2 on aggregate, with their opponents advancing on away goals.

Ghanaian giants Hearts of Oak endured an even harsher defence of their crown in 2001. Having lifted the trophy in 2000, they went out in the first round against Etoile du Congo. Hearts of Oak lost the tie 6-4 on aggregate, including a damaging 5-1 defeat away from home.

Etoile du Sahel also exited at the second-round stage in 2008. The Tunisian club, who were defending champions, were beaten in both legs by Zimbabwean side Dynamos and suffered a 2-0 aggregate defeat.

Al Ahly have experienced the same disappointment twice. In 2009, the reigning champions were eliminated by Nigeria’s Kano Pillars after the teams drew 3-3 on aggregate, with Kano Pillars progressing on away goals.

Five years later, Al Ahly again failed to make a deep title defence. After winning the 2013 competition, the Egyptian powerhouse were beaten 4-2 on aggregate by Libya’s Al Ahli Benghazi in the second round.

The sequence of results highlights the unpredictability of African club football. Previous success and experience do not guarantee defending champions safe passage through the early rounds.

For Sundowns, the result against Wiliete SC represents a significant setback. Manager Miguel Cardoso and his players must now reflect on the missed opportunities that brought their continental campaign to an end much sooner than expected.