Wiliete SC coach Beto Bianchi praised his side’s defensive discipline after the Angolan club knocked out Mamelodi Sundowns, the reigning African champions, on away goals to reach the CAF Champions League group stage for the first time.
Wiliete drew 1-1 at Loftus Versfeld on Friday night, which left the tie level at 1-1 on aggregate after the goalless first leg in Lubango. Tashreeq Matthews put Sundowns ahead in the 11th minute. Cristóvão “Mabululu” Paciência equalised in the 48th minute, after a defensive error by Cassius Mailula.
Bianchi said his players knew what to expect from a team with Sundowns’ pedigree.
“I want to congratulate my players, it’s not everyday you beat Mamelodi in their home turf, it was evident they would dominate possession at home, when it comes to defending in a low block, we did very well,” Bianchi said.
Sundowns had the bulk of the possession and chances. They took 18 shots to Wiliete’s six, but could not find a second goal. Bianchi acknowledged the pressure his team absorbed, and said Wiliete made the most of their moment.
“They had many opportunities, goal scoring opportunities, but this is football – we just take the one shot we did and we are qualified now, that’s the most important thing for us.”
The result is a major upset. Sundowns failed to reach the group stage for the first time in 11 seasons, and the exit ends their title defence before the group phase has begun.
For Wiliete, it fulfils the club’s main target this season, set when Bianchi was appointed. He had said before the tie that to reach the group stage, “we have to eliminate Sundowns.”
The week leading up to the second leg was dominated by an alleged altercation between Bianchi and Sundowns assistant coach Steve Komphela after the first leg, which left Bianchi in an abulance post-match. The result puts the focus back on football.