Wiliete SC coach Beto Bianchi has praised his players for their defensive discipline after the Angolan club eliminated Mamelodi Sundowns from the CAF Champions League to reach the group stage for the first time in its history.

Wiliete held Sundowns to a 1-1 draw at Loftus Versfeld on Friday night, advancing on away goals after the first leg ended goalless in Lubango. The result was a major upset, as Sundowns entered the second leg as the reigning African champions and favourites to progress to the next round.

Sundowns started the match strongly and took the lead through Tashreeq Matthews in the 11th minute. However, Wiliete responded after the break when Cristóvão “Mabululu” Paciência scored in the 48th minute following a defensive error by Cassius Mailula.

Despite controlling much of the game, Sundowns could not find the goal they needed to avoid elimination. The South African side recorded 18 shots compared to Wiliete’s six, but the visitors remained organised and defended their advantage until the final whistle.

Bianchi was pleased with his players for following their game plan against a team known for its attacking quality and ability to dominate possession. He acknowledged that Sundowns were expected to control the match at home but felt Wiliete performed well when defending in a low block.

The coach also recognised that his team faced considerable pressure throughout the encounter. However, he was delighted that his players made the most of their opportunity and secured qualification for the group stage.

The victory represents a significant achievement for Wiliete, who had identified reaching the CAF Champions League group stage as one of their main objectives for the season. Bianchi had previously stated that eliminating Sundowns was necessary to achieve that goal.

For Sundowns, the defeat marks a disappointing end to their continental campaign. The club failed to reach the group stage for the first time in 11 seasons, bringing their defence of the African title to an early end.

Mamelodi Sundowns chairman Tlhopie Motsepe has expressed disappointment following the club’s elimination from the CAF Champions League, saying the result was painful for the board.

Motsepe said coach Miguel Cardoso is now expected to win the FIFA Intercontinental Cup and CAF Super Cup to make up for the disappointment of exiting the continental competition before reaching the group stages. The chairman stressed the importance of securing silverware to restore confidence and meet the club’s expectations.

Cardoso will now face pressure to help Sundowns respond positively in their remaining competitions. Winning trophies would provide an opportunity for the team to recover from the setback and meet the expectations of the club's leadership and supporters.

The build-up to the second leg had also attracted attention following an alleged altercation between Bianchi and Sundowns assistant coach Steve Komphela after the first match. Bianchi was reportedly taken away in an ambulance after the incident, adding further tension ahead of the return fixture.

However, Wiliete's historic achievement has shifted the focus back to the football. Bianchi and his players can celebrate a memorable qualification, while Sundowns must now regroup and turn their attention to their remaining targets for the season.

Source: IDiskiTimes