Mamelodi Sundowns were held to a frustrating goalless draw by Wiliete SC in the first leg of their CAF Champions League second preliminary round tie on Sunday. The match at the Estadio Nacional da Tundavala in Lubango, which kicked off 30 minutes late due to adverse weather, leaves the tie finely balanced ahead of the return leg in Tshwane. This result, a 0-0 draw on Sunday 18 October, is part of a broader unbeaten run for the side, who have taken three wins and two draws from their last five matches.
Sundowns, who sit top of the Premier Soccer League standings with 23 points from nine games, created the better early chances. Brayan Leon was denied by a goal-line clearance inside five minutes, while Teboho Mokoena tested the goalkeeper with a long-range free-kick. The match's major blow came in the 40th minute when Mokoena was stretchered off following a heavy challenge, forcing head coach Miguel Cardoso to bring on Bathusi Aubaas as a replacement. The team's league position is built on a record of seven wins and two draws, having scored 23 goals while conceding only eight.
Cardoso was forced into two changes from the side that recently won the MTN8, with captain Ronwen Williams and Aubrey Modiba both missing through minor injuries. Ricardo Goss started in goal and made a key save after half-time to deny Agostinho Cristovao Paciencia Mabululu from close range. Fawaaz Basadien came in at left-back and was part of a defence that kept a clean sheet, a positive as the team juggles domestic and continental commitments. Substitute Iqraam Rayners, who scored a brace in the recent 4-1 league win over Richards Bay, had a late chance to snatch a win but shot wide.
The goalless draw extends Sundowns' unbeaten run across all competitions, with their recent form reading three wins and two draws from their last five outings. Their focus now shifts to Friday's decisive second leg at home, where they must capitalise on home advantage to progress to the group stages. The team will hope for better fortune on the injury front as they aim to maintain their one-point lead at the summit of the Premier Soccer League over Orlando Pirates. After the continental fixture, their next domestic assignment is at home against Durban City on Sunday 1 November.
The report in full is at goal.com
Head coach Miguel Cardoso expressed his dissatisfaction with the goalless draw against Wiliete SC. Speaking on 20 October, Cardoso said, "Despite our intentions, we are not satisfied with this result." He acknowledged his side created chances in the first half but struggled in the second. The league leaders, who are one point clear at the top, must now prepare for the decisive second leg in Tshwane.
Head coach Miguel Cardoso confirmed the injury to midfielder Teboho Mokoena. Cardoso said, "He has a knock and we will assess him." The league leaders, who are one point clear at the top, must now prepare for the decisive second leg in Tshwane. The side remains unbeaten in their last five matches across all competitions.
On 20 October, head coach Miguel Cardoso explained the tactical challenge of the 0-0 draw with Wiliete SC. He said, "It's a team on the level of Petro Luanda." Cardoso stated his side struggled against a direct, long-ball approach. He also noted some player fatigue was evident. The league leaders, who are one point clear at the top, must now focus on the second leg in Pretoria.
On 20 October, head coach Miguel Cardoso provided a further update on the injuries to Ronwen Williams and Teboho Mokoena. Cardoso said, "Let’s hope it’s not a big thing and we can recover him for the next match." He added that Williams' issue was minor.
On 20 October, head coach Miguel Cardoso provided a detailed update on the injuries to Ronwen Williams and Teboho Mokoena. Cardoso said Williams' issue was minor, stating, "Ronwen should not be a big thing." He revealed Mokoena's injury was to the same ligament hurt on international duty. The club will submit the midfielder for further examinations. Sundowns, who are 1st in the Premier Soccer League with 23 points, must now prepare for Friday's decisive second leg.
On 20 October, head coach Miguel Cardoso outlined his demands for the second leg against Wiliete SC. Cardoso said, "We need to be more aggressive, we need to be more offensive." He stated his side must improve after failing to capitalise on chances in the first leg.
