Wiliete SC coach Beto Bianchi praised his players for their defensive discipline after the Angolan side eliminated reigning African champions Mamelodi Sundowns on away goals to reach the CAF Champions League group stage for the first time.

The tie ended 1-1 on aggregate. The first leg in Lubango finished goalless. In the second leg at Loftus Versfeld on Friday night, Sundowns took an early lead before Wiliete levelled and held on.

Tashreeq Matthews put the Brazilians ahead in the 11th minute when his shot from the edge of the area deflected into the net. Sundowns controlled the game and created the bulk of the chances. They had 18 shots to Wiliete’s six. However, they could not find a second goal.

Three minutes into the second half, Cristóvão “Mabululu” Paciência equalised after a defensive error by Cassius Mailula. The loose pass allowed Mabululu to race through and finish calmly past Ronwen Williams. That away goal proved decisive.

Bianchi said his side expected Sundowns to dominate possession at home and prepared accordingly.

“I want to congratulate my players. It’s not every day you beat Mamelodi on their home turf. It was evident they would dominate possession at home. When it comes to defending in a low block, we did very well,” he said.

He acknowledged the pressure Wiliete faced but stressed that one moment was enough.

“They had many opportunities, goal-scoring opportunities, but this is football. We just take the one shot we did and we are qualified now. That’s the most important thing for us.”

The result is a major upset. Sundowns failed to reach the group stage for the first time in 11 seasons. Their title defence is over before the main phase of the competition has even begun. The Brazilians had already won the MTN8 and were top of the Betway Premiership.

For Wiliete, the victory delivers the main target set when Bianchi was appointed. The relatively young club, founded in 2018, overcame travel and visa issues that left some players unavailable for the second leg. They stuck to their plan, defended solidly, and took their chance when it came.

Bianchi had said before the tie that to reach the group stage, “we have to eliminate Sundowns.” His side did exactly that. Wiliete now prepare for their first-ever appearance in the CAF Champions League group stage, while Sundowns must turn their attention to domestic and other competitions.

Source: https://x.com/iDiskiTimes/status/2113925968817533087