Mamelodi Sundowns draw 0-0 in the first leg of their CAF Champions League tie and lose Teboho Mokoena to injury.
Mamelodi Sundowns drew 0-0 with Angola’s Wiliete SC in the first leg of their CAF Champions League second preliminary round tie on Sunday. Midfielder Teboho Mokoena also left the field on a stretcher in the first half.
A Delayed Start On A Tough Pitch
Lightning in the area delayed the kickoff by 30 minutes. The match took place at Estadio Nacional da Tundavala in Lubango. Wiliete’s own ground in Benguela did not meet CAF standards, so they played 355km away.
The pitch also made things hard for Sundowns. It did not allow their usual flowing soccer. Wiliete are a rising force in Angolan soccer. They finished second in 2024-25 and again last season. They also lead the Girabola this term and beat Foresters 5-0 on aggregate in the first round.
Chances Come And Go
Sundowns took the initiative and created the better chances. Brayan Leon ran in behind after a pass from Nuno Santos in the opening five minutes. His effort was cleared off the line. Tashreeq Matthews later cut in from the right, but his shot was tame.
He tested the goalkeeper again after a Thapelo Morena run in the second half. Wiliete keeper Elber Binha stayed solid. At the other end, Mabululu forced Ricardo Goss into a save with a header. Gilberto also burst past the Sundowns defence and made Goss come out to block. Both sides seemed happy with a draw by the end.
Mokoena’s Injury Is The Real Worry
Mokoena went off in the 40th minute after a heavy challenge from a Wiliete player. Medics stretchered him from the field, and Bathusi Aubaas replaced him. Mokoena had only recently returned from an injury picked up on Bafana Bafana duty.
His absence will concern coach Miguel Cardoso, who is already juggling domestic and continental fixtures. Sundowns also played without Ronwen Williams and Aubrey Modiba, who both had minor injuries. Khuliso Mudau, Grant Kekana and Keanu Cupido remain out for longer. Goss started in goal for Williams.
The Return Leg Looms
Sundowns host Wiliete at Loftus Versfeld on Friday at 8 pm. The draw is not a bad result in the bigger picture. If Wiliete score in Pretoria, though, Sundowns will need at least two goals. The Brazilians believe they have the firepower and muscle to win at home.
In the CAF Confederation Cup, Durban City beat AS Port Louis 3-1. Haashim Domingo, Gaston Sirino and Tashreeq Morris, from the penalty spot, scored. New coach Eric Tinkler was unhappy with the wastefulness, but his side holds a two-goal cushion.
