Mamelodi Sundowns have suffered a shock CAF Champions League exit after Wiliete SC eliminated them on away goals following a 1-1 draw at Loftus Versfeld on Friday night.
The South African side entered the second leg needing a win after a goalless draw in Angola. Tashreeq Matthews gave Sundowns an early lead in the 11th minute, but Mabululu equalised four minutes into the second half to send Wiliete through.
The result ends Sundowns hopes of reaching the group stage and marks a major upset for the reigning champions. They created several chances throughout the match but failed to find the goal they needed.
Wiliete punish Mamelodi Sundowns after missed chances
Mamelodi Sundowns started strongly and put the visitors under pressure from the opening minutes. They won several early corners before Matthews broke the deadlock with a shot that took a significant deflection off Arao Lologi. The change in direction wrong footed Wiliete goalkeeper Elber Delgado.
The hosts continued to attack as they looked to strengthen their advantage. Delgado denied Aubrey Modiba, while Sundowns goalkeeper Ronwen Williams produced an excellent save to keep out Miguel Vieira’s header at the other end.
Sundowns went into half time with their narrow lead intact. However, a costly mistake early in the second half changed the tie.
Cassius Mailula misplaced a pass, allowing Mabululu to break forward. The Wiliete attacker then curled his finish beyond the advancing Williams to level the score and put the Angolan side in control on away goals.
Sundowns immediately searched for another goal. Marcelo Allende sent a close range header towards goal, but Delgado kept it out. The goalkeeper then produced an outstanding double save to deny Brayan Leon and Matthews.
Leon missed another important chance when he fired over from a promising position. Later, his close range header drifted narrowly wide with Delgado beaten.
As the clock ticked down, Sundowns pushed more players forward and dominated possession. They pinned Wiliete back for long periods, but the visitors defended resolutely and refused to surrender their advantage.
Wiliete held on to secure a famous result and reach the CAF Champions League group stage. The Angolan club, founded in 2018, eliminated one of the continent’s leading sides before the group phase.
For Mamelodi Sundowns, the defeat brings disappointment after a campaign in which they had hoped to challenge for the title. The club had not failed to reach the group stage since 2015, making this elimination their first such setback in more than a decade.
The Brazilians will now have to reflect on their missed opportunities as Wiliete celebrate a landmark achievement in their history.
