Mamelodi Sundowns shockingly failed to qualify for the CAF Champions League group stage for the first time in 11 seasons, ending their title defence before the it even properly started.
Sundowns were stunned by Angolan side Wiliete, who held them to a 1-1 draw in the second leg of the final group stage qualifier at Loftus Versfeld on Friday, as the visitors won the tie on the away goals rule to reach the group stage instead.
The Brazilians will feel that they took their foot off the gas in the most important game of the season so far, despite having already won the MTN8, topping the Betway Premiership standings, and winning the CAF African-Asian-Pacific Cup.
High on confidence, Sundowns got off to the ideal start when Tashreeq Matthews' deflected shot off Arao Wiwi gave them the lead. Sundowns then looked to control the game with precision, using Marcelo Allende to dictate the tempo.
However, their dominance didn’t yield a second goal. Instead, it was Ronwen Williams who had to save his team from conceding in the first half as they went into the break ahead.
The Angolans levelled the tie in the second half, taking advantage of a crucial away goal when Cassius Mailula’s backpass missed his teammate and found an unmarked Mabululu, who picked his spot and curled his shot past Williams.
Brayan León tried to bully his way through a stubborn Angolan defence, but Wiliete held firm. Coach Miguel Cardoso threw everything at the visitors, including withdrawing defenders for offensive players.
But it wasn’t to be, as the match ended 1-1, with the visitors eliminating the former champions on the away goals rule. It is a heartbreak that will live long in the memory for Sundowns, who must now focus on other competitions, such as the FIFA Intercontinental Cup and domestic tournaments, including the Betway Premiership, before returning to continental football next season.