Wiliete SC stun Mamelodi Sundowns to reach CAF Champions League group stage

Mamelodi Sundowns were knocked out of the CAF Champions League by Angolan side Wiliete SC on away goals after a 1-1 draw at Loftus Versfeld on Friday night.

The reigning champions were eliminated before the group stages for the first time in more than a decade, despite controlling much of the second leg and creating several opportunities after the interval.

The tie had ended goalless in the first leg, but Sundowns made the faster start at home. They won a series of early corners before Tashreeq Matthews opened the scoring in the 11th minute.

Matthews’ effort took a significant deflection off Arao Lologi, wrong-footing Wiliete goalkeeper Elber Delgado and giving the hosts the advantage.

Sundowns continued to threaten, with Delgado making a save to deny Aubrey Modiba. At the other end, Ronwen Williams produced an excellent stop to keep out a header from Miguel Vieira.

The South African side reached half-time with their lead intact, but Wiliete levelled shortly after the restart following an error from Cassius Mailula.

A misplaced pass allowed Mabululu to advance towards goal before curling his finish beyond the advancing Williams four minutes into the second half.

Sundowns responded by increasing the pressure, but Delgado was repeatedly able to keep them at bay. He saved Marcelo Allende’s close-range header before making an outstanding double stop to deny Brayan Leon and Matthews.

Leon then missed another significant chance when he fired over from a promising position. The striker later headed narrowly wide from close range, with Delgado beaten on that occasion.

The hosts committed more players to attack as the match entered its final stages and pinned Wiliete back for long periods. However, their dominance in possession did not produce the goal they needed.

Wiliete defended resolutely to preserve the draw and progress on away goals, completing a major upset against the defending champions.