Delgado Heroics Deny Sundowns As Angolan Stalemate Sets Up Loftus Showdown

Defending champions Mamelodi Sundowns began their CAF Champions League second preliminary round campaign with a goalless draw against Angolan side Wiliete SC at Estádio Nacional da Tundavala on Sunday afternoon.

The match was delayed by 30 minutes due to heavy rainfall in Angola, with kick-off moved from 17:00 to 17:30.

Despite the delay, the Brazilians made a positive start and created their first clear scoring opportunity in the 25th minute. However, Tashreeq Matthews’ right-footed effort was comfortably saved by Wiliete goalkeeper Elber Delgado.

Sundowns continued to dictate the tempo and search for the opening goal but suffered a setback shortly before half-time when midfielder Teboho Mokoena sustained an injury following a foul by Bocar Sidibe. Mokoena was unable to continue and was replaced by Bathusi Aubaas.

The second half saw Sundowns maintain their momentum as they continued to push for a breakthrough.

Their first notable opportunity after the restart came in the 65th minute when Thapelo Morena played an excellent pass to Matthews. However, the forward’s right-footed effort from inside the box was once again denied by Delgado, who kept his side in the contest.

Wiliete created their first major scoring opportunity in the 70th minute through former Orlando Pirates winger Miguel Gilberto.

After dribbling past Sundowns goalkeeper Ricardo Goss, Gilberto attempted to get a shot away inside the box, but Thabang Matuludi made a crucial intervention. Goss subsequently gathered the ball as Sundowns escaped a dangerous situation.

The Brazilians continued to search for the breakthrough and had another opportunity in the 85th minute when Iqraam Rayners stepped up to take a free-kick. However, his effort was comfortably saved by Delgado, who once again denied Sundowns.

Despite their late attempts to find a winning goal, Sundowns were unable to break down Wiliete’s defence as the encounter ended in a goalless stalemate.

The two sides will meet again in the second leg at Loftus Versfeld Stadium in Pretoria on Friday, with Sundowns looking to secure a victory and book their place in the CAF Champions League group stage.