Mamelodi Sundowns will have to finish the job on home soil after being held to a 0-0 draw by Angola’s Wiliete SC in the first leg of their CAF Champions League second preliminary round tie on Sunday evening.

The reigning champions entered the contest looking to build on their emphatic midweek victory over Richards Bay FC in the Betway Premiership. However, a determined Wiliete side prevented the South African club from finding the breakthrough, leaving the tie finely balanced ahead of Friday’s return leg in Tshwane.

The match began after a 30-minute delay caused by weather and pitch conditions. Once play got underway, Sundowns looked to impose themselves early, with Brayan Leon producing an effort that required a goal-line clearance inside the opening five minutes.

Teboho Mokoena then tested Wiliete goalkeeper Beny with a powerful long-range free-kick after Tashreeq Matthews had been fouled. The goalkeeper managed to keep out the attempt as Sundowns continued searching for an opening.

Matthews also threatened after capitalising on a misplaced pass, but he could not convert the opportunity. Wiliete, meanwhile, showed they were not content simply to defend, using the wide areas and counter-attacks to create problems for the visitors.

Sundowns suffered a setback shortly before half-time when Mokoena was unable to continue after experiencing discomfort from a knock. Bathusi Aubaas came on in his place, forcing the visitors to adjust their midfield setup.

The second half proved more difficult for Sundowns, who struggled to establish control in the early exchanges. Goalkeeper Ricardo Goss became an important figure, making saves to deny the home side from a free-kick and a first-time effort by Mabulu.

Sundowns gradually recovered their attacking rhythm and came close to breaking the deadlock in the 66th minute. Matthews found space inside the area and got a shot away, but Beny reacted to keep the score level.

The visitors continued to push in the closing stages, with substitute Iqraam Rayners getting an opportunity to snatch a late winner. His effort, however, went wide, allowing Wiliete to preserve the draw.

The result means Sundowns must now find a way past Wiliete in the second leg to advance. With the return fixture scheduled for Friday in Tshwane, the South African side will have home advantage as they attempt to keep their Champions League campaign on course.

Source: https://x.com/kickoffmagazine/status/2111873351392145447?s=46