Defending champion Mamelodi Sundowns knocked out of African Champions League

FILE PHOTO: Sundowns qualified for the group phase ⁠in the previous 11 editions ⁠of the Champions League and their defeat ranks ‌among the competition’s biggest shocks. | Photo Credit: AFP

Holder Mamelodi Sundowns of South Africa ​was bundled out of the ‌African Champions League in ​the second preliminary ⁠round on Friday, beaten on the away goals rule by Wiliete ‌from Angola.

The second leg at Loftus Versfeld ‌in Pretoria finished 1-1 ‌five ⁠days after the two ⁠sides had played out a goalless draw in Lubango in the ​first leg last ‌Sunday.

Sundowns went ahead after 11 minutes through Tashreeq Matthews but Angola international Mabululu ‌equalised four minutes into ​the second half.

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Wiliete then produced a stout rearguard ⁠action to reach the group phase for the first ‌time.

The line-up for the next round, where 16 teams will be divided into four groups, will be decided on Sunday when ‌the last of the preliminary round ​matches are played.

Sundowns qualified for the group phase ⁠in the previous 11 editions ⁠of the Champions League and their defeat ranks ‌among the competition’s biggest shocks.

The last time it failed to qualify for the group stage was back in 2015, when it exited in the first round of the qualifying round.