Mamelodi Sundowns Stumble in CAF Champions League as Wiliete Hold Defending Champions to 0-0 Draw

Mamelodi Sundowns were unable to find the back of the net against Angolan outfit Wiliete SC, settling for a 0-0 draw in the first leg of their CAF Champions League second preliminary-round tie on Sunday.

The encounter took place at Estádio Nacional da Tundavala in Lubango, with neither side managing to establish a scoring advantage ahead of the decisive return fixture in South Africa.

The result leaves the tie evenly poised, with both teams still competing for a place in the Champions League group stage.

Domestic Success Fails to Translate Into Goals

Sundowns entered the continental competition following an encouraging run in South African football.

The Tshwane side had recently lifted the MTN8 trophy after defeating rivals Orlando Pirates 2-0 at Moses Mabhida Stadium. They followed that success with a convincing 4-1 victory over Richards Bay FC in the Betway Premiership at Princess Magogo Stadium.

However, the Brazilians struggled to reproduce that attacking form against Wiliete, finding it difficult to create clear scoring opportunities away from home.

Both teams produced limited chances in the opening half, and the match remained goalless at the interval. Sundowns were unable to break the deadlock after the restart, leaving the first leg without a winner.

Ronwen Williams Misses the Continental Fixture

Sundowns were without first-choice goalkeeper Ronwen Williams for the trip to Angola.

The club’s medical department confirmed that the former SuperSport United goalkeeper was unavailable because of an injury. Ricardo Goss was selected to take his place between the posts.

Williams’ absence was a notable change to the Sundowns line-up as the defending Champions League winners began their latest campaign.

Gilberto Faces His Former Club

Former Orlando Pirates winger Gilberto was included in Wiliete SC’s starting line-up for the match against Sundowns.

The Angolan player joined Wiliete ahead of the 2026/27 season after leaving Pirates, where he had struggled to secure a regular place in the starting team.

His selection brought him up against familiar opposition as Wiliete hosted the South African champions in the continental competition.

Sundowns Struggle to Make an Impact in Attack

Despite their status as defending CAF Champions League champions, Sundowns struggled to produce the passing combinations and attacking movement needed to trouble Wiliete consistently.

The visitors found it difficult to build effective attacks in the opposition’s half and could not convert their limited opportunities into a goal.

The stalemate means Sundowns will need a stronger attacking display in the second leg if they are to secure qualification for the group stage.

Thabang Matuludi Continues to Establish Himself

Thabang Matuludi continued his progress at Sundowns after being included in the team for the continental fixture.

The right-back joined the Tshwane club from Polokwane City FC on a long-term contract following an injury to Khuliso Mudau.

Matuludi has now featured in four matches across all competitions for Sundowns, delivering performances in both defensive and attacking roles as he works to establish himself in the starting line-up.

Return Leg to Decide Group-Stage Qualification

With the opening match ending without a goal, Sundowns and Wiliete will take the contest into the second leg with neither side holding an advantage.

Sundowns will have the opportunity to settle the tie on home soil, where they must secure the result needed to advance to the CAF Champions League group stage.