Mamelodi Sundowns coach Miguel Cardoso has warned his players not to underestimate Angolan league leaders Wiliete SC ahead of their CAF Champions League encounter, while the absence of goalkeeper Ronwen Williams from the starting lineup has added another talking point before kick-off.

The Brazilians face Wiliete at Loftus Stadium on Sunday, with the match scheduled to begin at 6pm.

Sundowns will be targeting progress in Africa’s premier club competition, but Cardoso has made it clear that the challenge should not be taken lightly.

Wiliete arrive with an impressive domestic record, having collected five wins and one draw from their opening six Girabola matches.

Their strong start has put them at the top of the Angolan championship and earned them the attention of the Sundowns coaching staff.

Speaking to the media this week, Cardoso acknowledged the difficulty of the qualifying-round draw and stressed that his team had already studied its opponents.

“We will respect this qualifying round. The draw was not friendly. Sometimes we get teams we understand, but this is a tough one. They are leading the Angolan championship. We already studied them,” Cardoso said.

His comments underline the importance of preparation as Sundowns pursue another step towards the CAF Champions League group stages.

The South African side may have considerable continental experience, but Cardoso knows that reputation alone will not guarantee victory.

Sundowns enter the fixture with confidence after moving to the top of the Betway Premiership standings and winning the MTN8 trophy. Those achievements provide encouragement, although Wiliete’s early-season results suggest that the visitors should not be dismissed.

One of the most notable developments in the announced starting XI is the selection of Ricardo Goss in goal instead of Williams. The published lineup does not establish why Williams has been left out, so supporters will be watching for further information about the decision.

Cardoso’s starting team consists of Goss, Khulumani Matuludi, Khulumani Khoza, Ndamane, Divine Lunga? No — the announced XI lists Basadien, Mokoena, Allende, Morena, Santos, Matthews and León alongside the defenders.

The confirmed starting XI is Goss, Matuludi, Khoza, Ndamane, Basadien, Mokoena, Allende, Morena, Santos, Matthews and León.

The substitutes are Pieterse, Mvala, Lunga, Aubaas, Cele, Zwane, van Wyk, Ndlovu and Rayners, giving Sundowns additional options during the match.

With a place in the group stages at stake, Sundowns will need concentration and a strong performance to overcome an opponent enjoying an excellent start to its domestic campaign.

Do you think Sundowns can overcome Wiliete, and what do you make of Williams’ absence from the starting XI? Share your predictions and thoughts in the comments.

Source: https://x.com/MDNnewss/status/2111849352931008591