Wiliete SC head coach Roberto Bianchi has praised the influence of experienced forwards Mabululu and Gilberto after the Angolan club stunned Mamelodi Sundowns to qualify for the CAF Champions League group stage.

Wiliete secured a historic achievement by eliminating the defending champions following a 1-1 draw at Loftus Versfeld on Friday night. The Angolan side advanced on the away-goals rule after the first leg ended goalless, ending Sundowns’ hopes of defending their continental title.

Sundowns made a strong start to the return fixture, with Tashreeq Matthews giving the South African side the lead in the 11th minute. However, Wiliete responded shortly after half-time when Mabululu scored the equaliser, putting his team in a favourable position to progress.

Bianchi believes the experience of players such as Mabululu and Gilberto has been crucial to helping the younger members of his squad handle the pressure of competing against established African clubs.

Mabululu, an Angola international with experience playing abroad, has been particularly influential throughout the campaign. His knowledge of continental football has provided Wiliete with an important advantage as they pursue their ambitions on the African stage.

“Mabululu is an experienced player, he knows African football, more than African football, international football because he is a player for the national team and he played abroad for the last couple of years,” Bianchi said.

The coach explained that such experienced players help younger teammates develop confidence, especially when facing opponents with greater continental pedigree.

“So this kind of players, these calibre of players as Mabululu and Gibela, they give confidence and help the young players of the team,” he added.

Wiliete’s qualification represents a major milestone for the club, which was founded in 2018 and will compete in the CAF Champions League group stage for the first time.

For Bianchi, the achievement highlights the importance of combining youthful energy with experienced leaders capable of guiding the team through difficult matches.

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