Mamelodi Sundowns 1-1 Wiliete SC: 'Cassius Mailula plays John Cena football; We're struggling in the middle without Teboho Mokoena; Elimination before the group stages'
Mamelodi Sundowns were eliminated from the CAF Champions League after a 1-1 draw with Angolan side Wiliete SC, failing to reach the group stages on the away-goals rule. The result has sparked significant criticism from fans regarding the team's tactical performance and squad depth.
Why it matters
This represents a major upset for a defending champion and a significant shift in the continental football hierarchy.
Shocking scenes at Loftus Versfeld on Friday night as the defending champions saw their CAF Champions League campaign come to an early end. Masandawana failed to get past the Angolan side, leaving the Tshwane giants stunned as their hopes of reaching the group stages were dashed.
Mamelodi Sundowns suffered a major continental setback, failing to reach the CAF Champions League group stages for the first time in 11 years after Wiliete SC progressed at their expense.
Masandawana came out firing, with Tashreeq Matthews breaking the deadlock in the 11th minute to put the Tshwane giants in front.
However, Wiliete hit back just four minutes after the restart, finding the equaliser in the 49th minute to put Sundowns under pressure.
The Brazilians thought they had restored their lead, only for the referee to disallow the goal.
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