Angola’s Wiliete SC have pulled off a remarkable upset in the TotalEnergies CAF Champions League, eliminating defending champions Mamelodi Sundowns of South Africa to secure a place in the 2026/27 group stage.
Wiliete held Sundowns to a 1-1 draw in Pretoria on Friday, October 23, 2026, advancing on the away-goals rule after the first leg ended goalless in Benguela, Angola.
The result is a major achievement for Wiliete, a club founded in 2018, as they booked their place among Africa’s top club sides while ending Sundowns’ hopes of defending their continental crown.
Playing in front of their home supporters at Loftus Versfeld Stadium, Sundowns started strongly and appeared on course to progress when Tashreeq Williams scored in the 11th minute.
The early goal gave the South African giants confidence as they looked to build on their home advantage and secure qualification for the group stage.
However, Wiliete refused to surrender. Four minutes after the restart, Cristovao Paciencia, popularly known as Mabululu, scored the equaliser to put the Angolan side back in contention.
The goal proved crucial because it gave Wiliete the advantage under the away-goals rule applicable to the tie.
Sundowns increased their attacking pressure in search of the goal they needed, but Wiliete remained organised defensively and held on to the 1-1 draw.
The final whistle confirmed one of the biggest surprises of this season’s competition, leaving Sundowns to reflect on missed opportunities while Wiliete celebrated a historic qualification.
For Wiliete, reaching the group stage represents an important milestone and an opportunity to compete against some of the continent’s most established clubs.
Meanwhile, South Africa’s Orlando Pirates booked their place in the group stage in impressive fashion after defeating Namibia’s African Stars FC 4-0 in Johannesburg.
Pirates advanced with a commanding 5-0 aggregate victory, having won the first leg 1-0.
Thapelo Mokobodi opened the scoring in the 11th minute at Orlando Stadium, giving the home side an early advantage.
Evidence Makgopa added the second goal shortly before half-time, putting Pirates in a comfortable position heading into the break.
The hosts continued their dominance after half-time, with Mpho Padime scoring the third goal before Makgopa completed his brace in the 77th minute to seal the victory.
The emphatic result underlined Pirates’ determination to progress in a competition they last won in 1995.
The Johannesburg-based club will now await the group-stage draw to discover their next opponents as they pursue another continental title.
Wiliete’s qualification and Sundowns’ elimination demonstrate the growing competitiveness of African club football, where reputation and home advantage do not always guarantee success.
For football supporters, Wiliete’s achievement offers an inspiring example of how determination, tactical discipline and taking advantage of key opportunities can change the outcome of a major contest.
As the Champions League moves into the group stage, Wiliete and Orlando Pirates will look to build on their qualification and challenge Africa’s leading clubs for continental honours.