Defending champions Mamelodi Sundowns were sent packing out of the CAF Champions League following a 1-1 aggregate draw with Wiliete SC at Loftus Versfeld on Friday night. 

After a 0-0 away draw in the second preliminary round last weekend, Sundowns were frustrated by a 1-1 stalemate in the second leg and bowed out on the away goals rule.

They failed to reach the group stage for the first time in more than 10 years. It is a record that could heavily dent coach Miguel Cardoso’s reputation as the man who delivered the Champions League to Masandawana last season.

What could make it more disappointing for the Brazilians is that they were booted out by Wiliete, who are less experienced in Africa and qualified for the group stages of the Champions League for the first time in their history. 

Tashreeq Matthews had given Sundowns the lead 11 minutes into the contest, but Mabululu hit back four minutes into the second half to make it one-nil. 

Even after taking 18 shots at goal against Wiliete’s six, Masandawana were not their usual selves throughout the game. FARPost takes a look at the major talking points of what transpired in Tshwane.

CARDOSO’S CHANGES MAKE NO DIFFERENCE

Sundowns coach Miguel Cardoso brought back in the starting lineup goalkeeper Ronwen Williams, who missed the first leg due to injury. Aubrey Modiba replaced Fawaaz Basadien at left-back.

With Teboho Mokoena out injured, that paved the way for Bathusi Aubaas to step in. Cassius Mailula was trusted to start, as Thapelo Morena was sacrificed to the bench.

MATTHEWS GIVES SUNDOWNS HOPE

When Matthews gave Sundowns the lead via a deflected shot in the 11th minute, Sundowns promised a goal harvest. But as the match went on, the Brazilians found it difficult to score more goals.

They were duly punished when Mabululu equalised, and they continued to struggle and lacked bite upfront. 

MAILULA BLUNDER GIFTS MABULULU EQUALISER

Mailula directed his backpass right on the spot where Marcelo Allende was moving from, and the Chilean midfielder missed the pass. Mabululu was grateful and made no mistake in punishing the Brazilians by beating Williams.

It breathed life into Mabululu, who had been caged by Sundowns defenders in the first half together with former Orlando Pirates forward Gilberto. 

LEON STRUGGLES FOR THAT FINAL TOUCH

On an evening when he was needed the most and expected to rise to the occasion, Sundowns striker Brayan Leon might have disappointed Masandawana fans. The Colombian struggled to finish.

However, he had a goal disallowed in the 54th minute after he was adjudged to have fouled Mule just before his execution.