The Brazilians approached the second leg of their preliminary-round clash needing a win after a goalless draw in Angola last weekend, where they found it difficult to score.

Sundowns started the match energetically, and their efforts paid off in the 10th minute when Tashreeq Matthews gave them the lead with a right-footed shot from outside the area, aided by Cassius Mailula. The ball took a deflection off Wiliete defender Lologi Arao before hitting the net.

The home side continued to press and nearly doubled their lead in the 25th minute as Aubrey Modiba attempted a left-footed shot from within the box. However, Wiliete’s goalkeeper, Delgado Elber, made a crucial save, continuing his fine form from the first leg.

Sundowns went into the break with their lead secured, but they faced a significant blow just two minutes into the second half. Wiliete equalized through Paciencia Mabululu, who scored with a right-footed shot from inside the box after exploiting a defensive lapse from the hosts.

With the equalizer, Sundowns needed to score again to secure their advancement, but Elber continued to thwart their efforts.

In the 60th minute, Wiliete’s goalkeeper made a remarkable double save, first stopping a shot from Bryan Leon, who had attempted a long-range effort, followed by another denial from Matthews.

The Brazilians pressed forward in search of a winning goal, creating a chance in the 78th minute when Leon found himself unmarked and missed a free header, wasting a crucial opportunity to regain the lead.

Sundowns initiated another offensive in the 86th minute, with Leon testing Elber once more. However, the goalkeeper came up big with another vital save, denying Sundowns a potentially game-changing goal.

Despite their relentless pursuit in the final moments, Sundowns were unable to clinch a victory. The match concluded 1-1, with the aggregate score also at 1-1 after the first leg ended without goals. Ultimately, Wiliete advanced to the group stages of the CAF Champions League by virtue of their away goal in South Africa.

This elimination represents a significant setback for the defending champions, who last failed to reach the group stages in 2015, when they were eliminated by the Congolese club TP Mazembe.

Sundowns will now shift their focus to domestic competitions as they gear up to face Marumo Gallants in the Carling Knockout Round of 16 next Tuesday. The Brazilians will be aiming to rebound from their disappointing exit from continental competition and return to winning form.