Mamelodi Sundowns began the defence of their CAF Champions League title with a hard-fought but goalless draw against Angolan side Wiliete SC in the first leg of their second preliminary round tie on Sunday evening.
Match details and delay
The encounter at Estadio Nacional Tundavala in Lubango ended 0-0 after a 30-minute delay caused by lightning near the stadium. Kick-off was pushed back from 17:00 to 17:30 SAST. The result leaves the tie evenly balanced ahead of the decisive second leg at Loftus Versfeld on Friday (20:00).
Sundowns create chances but fail to convert
Sundowns, who received a bye in the first preliminary round, created several opportunities but could not find a way past Wiliete goalkeeper Elber Binha. Tashreeq Matthews and Teboho Mokoena both tested the keeper in the first half, while Brayan Leon's early effort was cleared off the line.
Mokoena was forced off injured around the 40-minute mark and replaced by Bathusi Aubaas. The midfielder had only recently returned from an international injury. Other absentees for the Brazilians included captain and goalkeeper Ronwen Williams, left-back Aubrey Modiba (short-term), and longer-term injuries to Khuliso Mudau, Grant Kekana and Keanu Cupido. Ricardo Goss started in goal.
Wiliete defend resolutely
Wiliete, currently topping the Girabola and unbeaten this season after finishing second last campaign, defended resolutely and posed occasional threats on the counter. Goss made important saves early in the second half, including from a free-kick and a shot by Mabululu. Matthews later forced another good stop from Binha, and substitute Iqraam Rayners fired wide late on.
Both sides appeared content to settle for the draw as the game wore on.
Looking ahead to the second leg
Sundowns coach Miguel Cardoso's side will now look to use home advantage in Pretoria to secure progression to the group stage.
The Brazilians arrive in strong domestic form, sitting top of the Betway Premiership and having recently lifted the MTN8 title after beating Orlando Pirates in the final. Wiliete advanced to this stage with a 5-0 aggregate win over Seychelles' Foresters.
Attention now turns to Friday's return leg at Loftus Versfeld, where Sundowns will be expected to finish the job and keep their title defence on track.