CAF Champions League: Wiliete SC stuns Mamelodi Sundowns, Orlando Pirates sweeps aside African Stars

Angolan side Wiliete SC pulled off a major upset in the TotalEnergies CAF Champions League, eliminating defending champions Mamelodi Sundowns after securing a 1-1 draw in Pretoria to advance on the away-goals rule. The first leg in Benguela ended goalless, leaving Sundowns well placed to progress on home soil and continue their title defence.

The South African giants made a strong start at Loftus Versfeld, taking an early lead to put themselves in control of the tie. Tashreeq Williams opened the scoring for the hosts in the 11th minute, raising hopes that the two-time champions would secure their place in the group stage.

Sundowns went into halftime ahead on the night and in the tie. After the break, the hosts pushed for a second goal to strengthen their position.

However, Wiliete struck back just four minutes into the second half when Cristovao Paciencia, popularly known as Mabululu, found the net to make it 1-1 on aggregate. With the away-goal advantage now in their favour, the Angolan side focused on protecting the result as Sundowns increased the pressure in search of a decisive goal.

Wiliete held firm through the closing stages to preserve the draw and complete a remarkable upset, sending the defending champions out of the competition. Founded in 2018, Wiliete will now make their way into the Champions League group stage, while Sundowns are left to reflect on missed opportunities that ended their title defence.

Orlando Pirates Sweep Aside African Stars Elsewhere, South African side Orlando Pirates secured their place in the group stage with a commanding 4-0 victory over Namibia's African Stars FC, sealing a 5-0 aggregate win. The Buccaneers carried a 1-0 advantage from the first leg and strengthened their position early in the return fixture at Orlando Stadium in Johannesburg.

Thapelo Mokobodi gave Pirates the lead in the 11th minute before Evidence Makgopa added a second just before halftime, giving the hosts a comfortable advantage. Pirates continued their scoring after the break, with Mpho Padime making it 3-0 shortly after the restart.

Makgopa then completed his brace in the 77th minute to cap a convincing performance and confirm Orlando Pirates' progression. The 1995 champions will now await the draw to discover their group-stage opponents.

Their qualification comes as defending champions Sundowns suffer an early exit in one of the competition's biggest surprises.