Mamelodi Sundowns face a must-win second leg against Angola’s Wiliete SC at Loftus Versfeld on Friday evening in the CAF Champions League second preliminary round. Former striker Russell Molefe has backed the Brazilians to come through 2-0 and reach the group stage.

Sundowns arrived home from Angola with a 0-0 draw from the first leg. A repeat of that scoreline would send the tie to penalties, while any draw in which both sides score would eliminate them on the away goals rule. Coach Miguel Cardoso’s side therefore has no margin for error on home soil.

Molefe, who played as a striker for the club in the 1990s and was nicknamed Romario, believes the team thrives in these exact situations. “My only concern with the game is the scoreline. If they score first, we will need to score two goals. But I’m not that worried since we are playing at home. Here in South Africa, it’s doable,” he told KickOff.

He added that pressure matches suit Sundowns. “These are the types of games the Sundowns players enjoy. We thrive when our backs are against the wall. We are going to beat this club 2-0.”

Molefe was firm that defeat is unlikely. “No way we will lose tonight. If it happens, the problem will be the coach’s tactics. Right now, all our focus is on achieving the third star.”

The prediction comes despite Sundowns’ mixed record in knockout ties. The club carries heavy financial backing, a star-studded squad and a clear tactical identity that has delivered league titles and continental success. Yet the same side has sometimes struggled when games become tight and one mistake can end the campaign.

Wiliete, who finished second in the Angolan league last season and started this campaign strongly, held Sundowns scoreless in Lubango. The visitors will defend deep and look to counter, knowing that an away goal would put them in a strong position.

Kick-off is scheduled for 20:00. A victory would send Sundowns into the group stage as they continue their push for another CAF Champions League title. A slip-up, however, would end their continental hopes at the preliminary stage and raise fresh questions about their ability to deliver when the pressure is highest.

Source: https://x.com/KickOffMagazine/status/2113601622911697320