Written by Shihaam IsaacsSouth Africa sports betting writer
Published 24 October 2026
Defending continental champions Mamelodi Sundowns are turning their focus to domestic knockout action after suffering a stunning elimination from the CAF Champions League second preliminary round at the hands of Angolan side Wiliete SC.
The Brazilians were held to a 1-1 draw in the decisive second leg, which sent Wiliete through on away goals and brought an end to the club’s remarkable run of consecutive group-stage appearances in Africa’s premier club competition.
Sundowns went into the interval with a 1-0 advantage on the night, but a second-half response from the Angolan outfit turned the tie on its head and produced one of the tournament’s biggest upsets.
With their continental campaign abruptly halted, Miguel Cardoso’s squad face an immediate turnaround as they shift their attention to the domestic Carling Knockout Cup round of 16. Sundowns host bottom-placed Betway Premiership outfit Marumo Gallants on Tuesday, 27 October 2026, with kick-off scheduled for 19:00.
The fixture puts domestic silverware at stake for the Tshwane giants, who are looking to rebound swiftly and reassert control over the local campaign.
Meanwhile, Orlando Pirates remain South Africa’s sole surviving representative in the CAF Champions League group stage, carrying the national flag into the main tournament draw.
