Mamelodi Sundowns held by Wiliete in CAF Champions League title defence

Mamelodi Sundowns began their CAF Champions League title defence with a goalless draw against Angolan side Wiliete in the first leg of their second-round qualifier on Sunday.

The South African champions were without injured captain and goalkeeper Ronwen Williams, while midfielder Teboho Mokoena was carried off on a stretcher after being fouled during the first half.

Sundowns also had to contain the threat of Wiliete striker Mabululu, the experienced Angola captain who had scored three goals in the previous qualifying round.

The teams will meet again in Pretoria on Friday, with the winners on aggregate progressing to the group phase of Africa’s leading club competition.

Sundowns have won the Champions League twice and are aiming to become the first South African club to claim consecutive titles.

The club, owned by Confederation of African Football president Patrice Motsepe, have already won international silverware since the domestic season began in August.

They defeated Al Ahli of Saudi Arabia to lift the Africa-Asia-Pacific Cup. That result earned them a place in a FIFA Challenger Cup semi-final against either the South American champions or Toluca of Mexico.

The semi-final winners will face UEFA Champions League holders Paris Saint-Germain in the Intercontinental Cup. The dates and a neutral venue for those three matches have not yet been announced.

Former champions suffer setbacks

Elsewhere in the CAF Champions League, former winners Mouloudia Alger of Algeria and Esperance of Tunisia were beaten away from home, while another ex-champion, ASEC Mimosas of Ivory Coast, rescued a late draw.

Nigerian club Enugu Rangers defeated Mouloudia 2-0 in Abeokuta after late goals from Kenneth Igboke and James Emo.

The match also saw both teams reduced to 10 men. Enugu Rangers goalkeeper Lucky Jimoh and Mouloudia midfielder Oussama Benhaoua were sent off, while a member of the Algerian coaching staff was also shown a red card.

Four-time champions Esperance lost 1-0 to Asswehly in neighbouring Libya.

ASEC Mimosas appeared set for defeat against Maghreb Fes in Morocco before Souhalio Bamba scored in the third minute of added time to secure a 1-1 draw.