Mamelodi Sundowns have been eliminated from the CAF Champions League after losing out to Angolan side Wiliete S.C. on the away-goals rule following a 1-1 aggregate draw at Loftus Versfeld on Friday night.

The South African champions entered the second leg hoping to secure a place in the group stages after playing to a goalless draw in Angola. However, despite taking an early lead in front of their home supporters, Sundowns conceded a crucial goal in the second half that ultimately ended their continental campaign.

Miguel Cardoso's team started brightly, with Tashreeq Matthews finding the back of the net in the 10th minute. The early breakthrough gave the Brazilians hope of controlling the encounter and securing qualification for the next round.

Sundowns continued to attack and created several opportunities to increase their advantage before the interval. Colombian striker Brayan León was among the players who came close to scoring, but he failed to convert two promising chances.

Those missed opportunities proved costly when Wiliete returned for the second half with renewed determination.

The visitors capitalised on a defensive error involving Cassius Mailula, whose poor back pass reportedly caught Marcelo Allende off guard. Angolan forward Mabululu took advantage of the situation, breaking through on goal before calmly beating Sundowns goalkeeper Ronwen Williams.

The equaliser changed the situation dramatically. With the aggregate score level at 1-1, Wiliete held the advantage under the away-goals rule because their goal had been scored at Loftus Versfeld.

Sundowns responded by pushing forward in search of another goal that would keep their Champions League ambitions alive. However, the home side struggled to find a way past Wiliete's organised defence.

The Angolan outfit remained disciplined until the final whistle, securing a memorable qualification at the expense of the defending African champions.

The elimination represents a significant setback for Sundowns, who had been aiming to continue their campaign for continental honours. According to the supplied report, the club had not failed to reach the Champions League group stages since 2015.

Despite the disappointment in Africa, Sundowns remain involved in domestic competitions. Their performances in South African football, including their position in the Premiership standings and success in the MTN8, provide other objectives for the remainder of the season.

Cardoso and his players must now turn their attention to their remaining fixtures while reviewing the missed scoring opportunities and defensive lapse that contributed to their elimination.

For Wiliete, the result represents an important achievement, as the Angolan side advance after holding their nerve against one of Africa's established clubs.

https://www.idiskitimes.co.za/caf-champions-league/wiliete-stun-sundowns-at-loftus/