Why Sundowns are out of the CAF Champions League and what's next
Defending champions Mamelodi Sundowns went out of the CAF Champions League on away goals to Angola's Wiliete SC. Here is how it happened, why there is no Confederation Cup route, and what Sundowns still play for.
Mamelodi Sundowns are out of the 2026/27 CAF Champions League. The defending champions drew 1-1 with Angola's Wiliete SC at Loftus Versfeld on Friday, 23 October 2026, after a 0-0 first leg in Benguela, and Wiliete went through to the group stage on away goals (Mamelodi Sundowns, CAF). With Wednesday's group stage draw in Cairo going ahead without the holders, many South Africans are only now asking what happened.
How did Sundowns get knocked out?
Tashreeq Matthews put Sundowns ahead in the 11th minute of the second preliminary round, second leg (Mamelodi Sundowns). Wiliete striker Mabululu equalised four minutes into the second half (CAF). That made it 1-1 on aggregate, and Wiliete's goal at Loftus counted as an away goal, so the Angolan side went through (Mamelodi Sundowns).
| Leg | Venue | Score |
|---|---|---|
| First leg | Benguela, Angola | Wiliete 0-0 Sundowns |
| Second leg (23 October) | Loftus Versfeld, Pretoria | Sundowns 1-1 Wiliete |
| Aggregate | 1-1, Wiliete through on away goals |
Sources: CAF, Mamelodi Sundowns.
CAF called it one of the competition's greatest shocks, noting that Wiliete was only founded in 2018 (CAF). The Citizen reports it is the first time in 12 years that Sundowns will not play in the Champions League group stage (The Citizen).
Can Sundowns drop into the CAF Confederation Cup?
No. CAF scrapped the play-off that used to give Champions League losers a route into the Confederation Cup, so Sundowns' African club campaign is over for this season (Goal).
Orlando Pirates are now the only Betway Premiership club left in the Champions League. They were drawn in Group C with RS Berkane, Simba SC and Colombe Sportive on Wednesday (iDiski Times).
What did Miguel Cardoso say?
"It is a punch in the face, yes (exiting the Champions League). But what makes us stronger is how we react," the Sundowns coach said after the game (The Citizen). He pointed out that Sundowns have already won two trophies this season, the MTN8 and the African-Asian Pacific Cup, and are leading the league (The Citizen).
What do Sundowns still play for this season?
| Competition | Where it stands |
|---|---|
| Carling Knockout | Through to the quarter-finals after beating Marumo Gallants 1-0 on 27 October (PSL). The quarter-final draw takes place after Durban City v Stellenbosch tonight (PSL). |
| CAF Super Cup | Final against USM Alger, Sunday 8 November, 15:00, Loftus Versfeld (CAF, Mamelodi Sundowns). |
| Betway Premiership | Leading the log, according to Cardoso (The Citizen). |
| Nedbank Cup | Still to come this season (The Citizen). |
The Super Cup is still on because Sundowns qualified for it as winners of the 2025/26 Champions League, while USM Alger won the 2025/26 Confederation Cup (CAF). The Citizen also reports a possible FIFA Intercontinental Cup match against Paris Saint-Germain in December; this has not been confirmed by FIFA in the sources we checked (The Citizen).
FAQ
Why are Sundowns out of the CAF Champions League?
They drew 0-0 away and 1-1 at home against Wiliete SC of Angola, and Wiliete went through on away goals on 23 October 2026.
Will Sundowns play in the CAF Confederation Cup instead?
No. CAF scrapped the play-off that used to send Champions League losers into the Confederation Cup, so their African club campaign is over this season.
When is Sundowns' next big final?
The CAF Super Cup against USM Alger at Loftus Versfeld on Sunday, 8 November 2026, at 15:00.