Angola’s Wiliete dethrones holders Mamelodi Sundowns in TotalEnergies CAF Champions League biggest shock
Angola’s Wiliete SC produced one of TotalEnergies CAF Champions League greatest shocks when they dethroned title holders and South African giants Mamelodi Sundowns, after forcing them to a 1-1 draw in Pretoria to reach the group stage on away goals rule.
After playing a goalless draw last weekend in Benguela, all odds were in favour of Sundowns to win at home and reach the group stage to continue their title defence campaign. And it started right for “The Brazilians” at Loftus Versfeld in Pretoria when the holders took the lead early on the night.
Tashreeq Williams put Mamelodi Sundowns ahead after 11 minutes, as it looked like a paved way for the two-time champions to the group stage. Both sides went to the break with Sundowns leading in the night and on aggregate.
After halftime, Sundowns pushed to add a second goal to secure their way to the next round. But they were dealt a blow when Cristovao Paciencia “Mabululu” equalized for Wiliete four minutes into the second half to make it 1-1 on aggregate.
With the away goal favouring the Angolans, Sundowns threw everything in attack while Wiliete defended in numbers. Time passed as Wiliete preserved the valuable draw and completed the infamous shock.
Wiliete, only founded in 2018, will now play in the prestigious group stage, while Mamelodi Sundowns will be left regretting their missed chances.
Orlando strikes four to qualify
Meanwhile, South Africa’s Orlando Pirates stroke four past visitors African Stars FC of Namibia to qualify to the group stage in style, with an aggregate 5-0 victory, having won the first leg 1-0 last weekend.
Thapelo Mokobodi put “The Buccaneers” ahead after 11 minutes at the Orlando Stadium in Johannesburg. Evidence Makgopa doubled Orlando’s lead on the brink of halftime to send calmness to their supporters with a commanding advantage.
Right after the break, Mpho Padime made it 3-0 for Pirates, and the game became a mere formality. Makgopa completed his personal brace and scored Orlando Pirates fourth after 77 minutes to confirm his side’s spot in the group stage in style.
Orlando Pirates, champions back in 1995, will now wait their group stage opponents as they hold South African flag after compatriots and holders Mamelodi Sundowns were shown the backdoor in this season’s biggest shock.