For the first time since 2015! Mamelodi Sundowns set an embarrassing anti-record in the CAF Champions League
Mamelodi Sundowns have suffered a continental collapse few could have predicted.
Details: The reigning CAF Champions League winners were eliminated by Angola's Wiliete in the second preliminary round after a 1-1 draw in Pretoria. The first leg in Angola had ended 0-0, meaning Wiliete progressed to the group stage on the away-goals rule.
Sundowns appeared to have taken control of the decisive return leg when Tashreeq Matthews opened the scoring in the 11th minute. However, Angola international Mabululu struck four minutes after the break to level the match and put the South African giants in an extremely difficult position.
Miguel Cardoso's side could not find the second goal they needed, and the final whistle confirmed a remarkable upset. For Sundowns, the result is especially painful from a historical perspective: they have failed to reach the CAF Champions League group stage for the first time since 2015, ending a run that had lasted for more than a decade.
The shock is even greater because Sundowns entered the campaign as defending champions after winning the 2025/26 CAF Champions League. Wiliete, meanwhile, have achieved the biggest continental milestone in their young history: the Angolan club, founded in 2018 and professional since 2019, have reached the tournament's group stage for the first time.
Reminder: Wiliete SC make history in CAF Champions League
Steven Perez
Dailysports's expert
