Mamelodi Sundowns now know who stands between them and the CAF Champions League group stages after their first opponents were confirmed.
The defending champions will face Angolan side Wiliete SC in the second preliminary round of the 2026/27 CAF Champions League.
Seeded
Masandawana were seeded into the second preliminary round and therefore did not have to participate in the opening phase of the competition.
During last month’s CAF draw, the Brazilians were paired with the winner of the first-round tie between Wiliete and Seychelles outfit Foresters FC.
Wiliete put one foot firmly in the next round with a 4-0 victory in the first leg in Angola last week.
The Angolan side then completed the job in the second leg, securing a 5-0 aggregate victory to book their meeting with the defending African champions.
Former Orlando Pirates winger Gilberto Miguel was among the scorers in Wiliete’s first-leg victory.
Mamelodi Sundowns’ Champions League defence begins in October
The first leg of Mamelodi Sundowns’ second preliminary-round tie against Wiliete is scheduled to take place between 16 and 18 October 2026, with the return leg set for 23 to 25 October.
The winner over the two legs will advance to the CAF Champions League group stage.
There is plenty at stake for Mamelodi Sundowns, who will be aiming to successfully defend the continental crown after their triumph in the previous campaign.
The 16 winners from the second preliminary round will progress to the group stage, which is scheduled to begin in November 2026.
Demanding schedule
Mamelodi Sundowns’ continental campaign will add another demanding schedule to their domestic commitments as they attempt to remain competitive on multiple fronts.
Wiliete, meanwhile, will enter the tie with confidence after brushing aside Foresters 5-0 on aggregate.
But the Angolan club now face a significantly tougher test against a Mamelodi Sundowns side that enters the competition as the reigning champions.
The Brazilians will know that there is little room for error over the two legs, with a place in the Champions League group stage on the line.
