Mamelodi Sundowns began their CAF Champions League campaign with a frustrating goalless draw away against Wiliete on Sunday afternoon.
The Brazilians received a bye in the opening preliminary round due to their high CAF ranking, entering the competition at the second preliminary round stage.
Miguel Cardoso’s side started the brighter at the Estádio Nacional da Tundavala in Lubango. Brayan León went close as early as the fifth minute, forcing a goal-line clearance from the hosts.
Teboho Mokoena then drew a solid save from the Wiliete goalkeeper in the 10th minute. Sundowns continued to press, and Tashreeq Matthews nearly broke the deadlock in the 24th minute after cutting in from the wing, but the keeper was equal to the task with another fine stop.
Sundowns suffered a major blow in the 40th minute when talisman Mokoena was forced off injured, with Bathusi Aubaas stepping on to replace him.
The visitors were made to be patient after the break as Wiliete sat back in a stubborn low block. Matthews threatened again just past the hour mark, but his effort went straight at the keeper.
Despite pushing hard for a late winner, Sundowns had to settle for a goalless draw in Angola.
It is now all to play for in next weekend’s return leg at Loftus Versfeld, with a place in the Champions League group stages up for grabs.
Photo: Lefty Shivambu/Gallo Images
