Mamelodi Sundowns were held to a goalless draw against Angolan side Wiliete SC in the first leg of the CAF Champions League second preliminary round on Sunday. The result leaves the tie finely balanced ahead of the return leg in South Africa, where a place in the group stage will be decided.

Sundowns kicked off their Champions League campaign with an away clash against Wiliete at the Estádio Nacional da Tundavala, in Lubango. The Brazilians came into the clash against Wiliete sailing on a great run in domestic competitions. Sundowns won the MTN8 with a 2-0 victory over rivals Orlando Pirates at Moses Mabhida Stadium last weekend.

After lifting the MTN8 title, Sundowns faced Richards Bay FC in the Betway Premiership and claimed a resounding 4-1 victory at Princess Magogo Stadium. However, away in Lubango, Sundowns struggled to impose themselves and create scoring chances in a bid to secure positive results on the road.

After both sides had limited scoring chances in the first half, the match went into the half-time break deadlocked at 0-0.

In the second half, Sundowns couldn’t find a breakthrough and settled for a disappointing draw against Wiliete. FARPost looks at four key talking points in the match:

RONWEN WILLIAMS MISSING IN ACTION

The Sundowns’ first-choice goalie Williams was a surprise absentee in the match against Wiliete, with the club’s medical department confirming that the former SuperSport United man is out with an injury. In Williams’ absence, Ricardo Goss did the job between the sticks for the Brazilians.

GILBERTO STARTED FOR WILIETE AGAINST SUNDOWNS

Former Orlando Pirates winger Gilberto faced familiar faces after being named in the starting line-up for Wiliete against Masandawana. Gilberto joined Wiliete ahead of the 2026/27 season after parting ways with Pirates following his struggles to break into the starting line-up at Mayfair.

THE CAF CHAMPIONS LEAGUE DEFENDING CHAMPIONS LACKED SPARK IN THE FINAL THIRD

Despite coming to the match as the defending champions in the CAF Champions League, Downs couldn’t string together good passes in the opponents’ half to score.

THABANG MATULUDI SOLIDIFIES HIS POSITION IN SUNDOWNS TEAM

Matuludi, who recently signed with the Tshwane giants, is steadily solidifying his place in the club’s starting line-up.

The highly-rated right-back signed with Sundowns from Polokwane City FC on a long-term deal after an injury to Khuliso Mudau.

So far, Matuludi has featured in four matches across all competitions, continuing to deliver mature performances in both defence and attack.