South African football suffers continental setback as Chiefs and Sundowns exit

South African football suffered a major continental setback on Friday as Kaizer Chiefs and Mamelodi Sundowns were eliminated before reaching the CAF group stages, leaving Orlando Pirates as the country’s only remaining representative.

The results were a damaging reality check for the leading clubs in the Betway Premiership, who have the resources and ambition to compete among Africa’s elite. Chiefs and Sundowns both fell at the second preliminary-round stage, while Pirates progressed to the Champions League group stage.

Chiefs fall short in shoot-out

Kaizer Chiefs’ CAF Confederation Cup campaign ended after a 3-1 penalty defeat by Red Arrows in the second-leg match at Moses Mabhida Stadium.

The South African club had lost the first leg 1-0 in Zambia but levelled the tie when Bradley Cross headed home in the second half of the return fixture. That made the aggregate score 1-1, but Chiefs were unable to find the goal that would have taken them through during normal time.

Red Arrows eventually prevailed from the spot, reported as a 3-2 shoot-out victory in the match account, to secure their place in the group stages.

The elimination will be particularly frustrating for Chiefs because qualification remained within their reach. Their second-leg performance offered opportunities to progress, but missed chances and their failure to convert from the spot proved decisive.

Holders Sundowns knocked out

Mamelodi Sundowns then suffered an even more unexpected early exit from the CAF Champions League.

The reigning holders had drawn 0-0 away to Angolan side Wiliete SC in the first leg, with the decisive fixture taking place at Loftus Versfeld. However, the teams drew 1-1 in Pretoria, ending Sundowns’ title defence before the group stage.

Sundowns lifted the continental crown in May and had been expected to overcome their second preliminary-round opponents. Instead, Wiliete secured the result required to advance.

The warning signs had emerged in the opening match, when Sundowns struggled to turn possession and attacking opportunities into goals. The home fixture did not resolve those concerns, with Wiliete able to withstand their opponents and stay in the tie.

The outcome leaves questions for manager Miguel Cardoso and his players over their finishing, their ability to break down organised opposition and whether their standards have fallen after their continental success.

Pirates keep hopes alive

Orlando Pirates supplied South Africa’s only positive result, beating Namibian champions African Stars 3-0 at Orlando Amstel Arena.

Abdeslam Ouaddou’s side completed a 4-0 aggregate victory and secured a place in the CAF Champions League group stage. Thapelo Mokobodi, Evidence Makgopa and Mpho Padime scored the goals.

Pirates avoided a repeat of last season’s qualifying disappointment by making effective use of their home advantage and first-leg lead.

Their progress, however, cannot hide the wider disappointment. South Africa’s leading clubs possess the experience, backing and resources to challenge for places at the top of African football, even if success in every match cannot be expected.

Chiefs must now consider another campaign ended prematurely, while Sundowns face the consequences of failing to defend their crown. Pirates, with qualification secured, must balance their domestic ambitions with the demands of African competition.

One weekend does not define the Betway Premiership, but it has exposed a difficult truth: reputation and past success offer no guarantee of progression. South Africa needed three continental contenders. Only one remains.