CAF Champions League: Defending champions Mamelodi Sundowns suffer shock exit

Spread the word Defending champions Mamelodi Sundowns have been eliminated from the 2026/27 CAF Champions League after Angola's Wiliete SC pulled off a major upset, advancing to the group stage on the away-goals rule following a 1-1 aggregate draw. The South African giants were held to a 1-1 draw by Wiliete in the second leg at Loftus Versfeld Stadium in Pretoria on Friday, October 23, after the two teams played out a goalless draw in the first leg in Angola.

Blueprint reports Sundowns appeared to be on course to secure qualification when Tashreeq Matthews put them ahead in the 11th minute. However, Angola international Cristóvão Paciência, popularly known as Mabululu, equalised four minutes into the second half to put Wiliete in control of the tie under the away-goals rule.

Despite pushing for a second goal, Sundowns were unable to break down the visitors' defence, bringing their continental title defence to a premature end. The result is one of the biggest upsets of this season's competition, with Wiliete reaching the Champions League group stage for the first time in the club's history.

Matthews gives Sundowns early hope Playing before their home supporters, Sundowns began the return leg knowing that a victory would secure their passage into the group stage after the first encounter ended goalless. The South African side made a positive start and took the lead in the 11th minute through Matthews, whose effort found the back of the net to give the hosts a 1-0 advantage on the night.

The early goal appeared to put the defending champions in a strong position, as they sought to take control of the tie and avoid the danger of an early elimination. Sundowns continued to look for opportunities to extend their lead, with their attacking players attempting to put Wiliete under sustained pressure.

However, the Angolan side remained organised and continued to search for opportunities to threaten the hosts. Their persistence eventually paid off shortly after the interval, when a defensive error gave them the opening they needed.

Mabululu's equaliser changes the tie Wiliete delivered the decisive blow in the 49th minute when Mabululu capitalised on a defensive mistake to beat Sundowns goalkeeper Ronwen Williams. The goal levelled the score at 1-1 on the night and, more importantly, gave Wiliete the advantage on aggregate through the away-goals rule.

With the aggregate score now level, Sundowns needed another goal to regain control of the tie. The hosts increased their attacking efforts, but Wiliete defended resolutely to preserve their advantage.

The visitors demonstrated discipline during the closing stages, limiting Sundowns' opportunities and refusing to surrender the lead they had gained through Mabululu's strike. As the minutes passed without another goal, the prospect of a historic elimination became increasingly real for the defending champions.