Mamelodi Sundowns were held to a 0-0 draw by Angolan side Wiliete SC in the first leg of the second preliminary round of the CAF Champions League.

The Brazilians travelled to Angola hoping to secure a positive result that would put them in a strong position ahead of the return leg. However, despite their efforts, Masandawana were unable to find the breakthrough and had to settle for a goalless draw away from home.

The result means the battle for a place in the next round remains open, with both teams still having everything to play for when they meet again in South Africa.

Sundowns entered the contest with high expectations, given their experience in African football and their ambitions to compete for the continent's biggest club prize. However, Wiliete SC proved to be a difficult opponent, managing to keep the South African giants from scoring on their home ground.

For Sundowns, the draw offers both encouragement and a reminder that there is still work to be done. Keeping a clean sheet away from home provides a solid foundation, but the team will need to be more clinical in front of goal when the two sides meet for the decisive second leg.

The return fixture in South Africa will give the Brazilians an opportunity to use their home advantage and secure the result needed to progress in the competition. Playing in familiar surroundings, with the support of their fans, could provide an important boost as they look to finish the job.

However, Sundowns cannot afford to underestimate their Angolan opponents. Wiliete SC have already shown that they can frustrate the Brazilians, and they will be determined to produce another disciplined performance in the return leg.

The technical team will now focus on preparing the players for the upcoming encounter, with particular attention likely to be given to improving their attacking play and converting scoring opportunities.

For Masandawana supporters, the goalless draw may not be the result they wanted, but qualification remains within reach. The team must now take advantage of its home fixture and deliver a stronger performance in front of goal.

The first leg is over, but the decisive battle is still ahead. Sundowns will be hoping to finish the job in South Africa and keep their CAF Champions League ambitions alive.

All eyes are now on the second leg as Masandawana look to secure qualification in front of their home supporters.

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