Wiliete SC Coach Sends Strong Message After Stunning Mamelodi Sundowns in CAF Champions League

Angolan outfit Wiliete SC have taken African football by surprise after eliminating defending champions Mamelodi Sundowns from the CAF Champions League, with head coach Beto Bianchi describing the achievement as a major milestone in the club’s remarkable growth.

Founded in 2018, Wiliete have quickly established themselves as an ambitious force in Angolan football. However, their recent success against one of Africa’s most established clubs has elevated their reputation to another level and secured them a historic place in the 2026/27 CAF Champions League group stage.

The Angolan side booked their qualification after holding Sundowns to a 1-1 draw at Loftus Versfeld Stadium in Pretoria on Friday, October 23. Having played out a goalless draw in the first leg, Wiliete progressed on the away-goals rule, bringing the South African giants’ continental campaign to an unexpected end.

Sundowns initially appeared to be on course to defend their title after Tashreeq Matthews opened the scoring in the 11th minute. However, experienced Angolan striker Cristóvão Paciência, popularly known as Mabululu, equalised shortly after the restart to give the visitors a crucial advantage.

Despite sustained pressure from the hosts, Wiliete remained disciplined defensively to protect their result and complete one of the competition’s biggest surprises.

Speaking about the significance of the achievement, Bianchi emphasised that eliminating a club of Sundowns’ stature represents an important step in Wiliete’s development.

The coach explained that the club’s progress has been gradual, with improvements both in the domestic Girabola competition and on the continental stage.

He also revealed that Wiliete faced difficulties before the decisive encounter, with three players reportedly unable to feature following immigration issues at OR Tambo International Airport.

Nevertheless, the team demonstrated resilience and determination to overcome the challenge and secure qualification.

Bianchi was quick to remind supporters that reaching the group stage does not mean the club has already achieved its ultimate ambitions.

The coach believes the result will provide his players with additional confidence as they continue competing for honours in Angola and prepare for the demanding continental fixtures ahead.

The achievement is particularly significant for a club that was established only eight years ago. Wiliete have now earned recognition beyond their domestic league, proving that ambitious projects can challenge some of Africa’s biggest football institutions.

Their qualification also comes as a major boost for Angolan football, with Wiliete joining Petro de Luanda as representatives from the country in the Champions League group stage.

For South African supporters, however, the result represents a painful setback for Sundowns, who entered the competition as defending champions.

Wiliete will now turn their attention to the group-stage draw scheduled for October 28 in Cairo, where they will discover their next opponents.

Although the road ahead promises tougher challenges, Bianchi and his players have already delivered a statement that will resonate across African football: Wiliete SC are no longer an unfamiliar name, but a club determined to compete at the highest level.

Source https://x.com/SABC_Sport/status/2114718788008464505