CAF Champions League: Wiliete SC eliminate holders Mamelodi Sundowns to reach group stage

Mamelodi Sundowns have suffered a historic CAF Champions League exit after being knocked out by Angola’s Wiliete SC in the second qualifying round.

The defending champions were eliminated on the away-goals rule after the two-legged tie ended 1-1 on aggregate. The result means Mamelodi Sundowns will miss the group stage for the first time in 10 years.

The first leg in Angola finished 0-0, leaving the tie finely balanced before the return match in South Africa on Friday.

Mamelodi Sundowns appeared to take control when Tashreeq Matthews opened the scoring in the 11th minute. With home advantage and a lead on the night, the South African club looked set to complete the job.

Wiliete SC responded in the 49th minute, however, when their forward Mabululu found the net. That goal proved decisive because it was scored away from home, giving the Angolan side the advantage under the competition’s away-goals rule.

The qualification marks the first time Wiliete SC have reached the group stage of the CAF Champions League. Their progress came after a tie in which they made the most of their opportunities against the defending champions.