Angolan side Wiliete SC have pulled off a major upset in the CAF Champions League, eliminating defending champions Mamelodi Sundowns after a 1-1 draw in the second leg of their second preliminary-round tie in Pretoria on Friday.
Wiliete advanced to the group stage on the away-goals rule after the teams played out a goalless draw in the first leg in Angola, ending Sundowns’ bid to retain their continental crown before the group phase.
Sundowns appeared on course to progress when Tashreeq Matthews gave the South African giants the lead in the 11th minute at Loftus Versfeld Stadium.
However, Wiliete responded early in the second half, with Agostinho Cristóvão Paciência, popularly known as Mabululu, equalising in the 49th minute.
The goal shifted the balance of the tie in favour of the visitors, who needed only to maintain the draw to progress after scoring away from home.
Sundowns pressed for a second goal to reclaim control of the contest, creating opportunities as they sought to avoid a shock elimination. Wiliete, however, defended resolutely to preserve the result and secure a historic qualification.
The outcome ends Sundowns’ run of reaching the group stage in each of the previous 11 editions of the competition and marks a significant setback for the reigning champions.
For Wiliete, the result represents a landmark achievement. The Angolan club will feature in the CAF Champions League group stage for the first time in their history.
Sundowns must now turn their attention to their domestic commitments after their continental title defence came to an unexpected end.
