Sundowns suffer Mokoena setback as they fire blanks in Angola

Mamelodi Sundowns failed to score for the second time in 11 matches following a goalless draw away to Wiliete SC of Angola in the CAF Champions League on Sunday.

Sundowns started their Champions League defence in the second preliminary round but hopes of a win on the road went up in smoke as their hosts held on at the Estadio Nacionale da Tundavala in Lubango.

Sundowns asked the early questions with Brayan Leon getting the first chance when he got in behind the Wiliete defence but saw his effort cleared off the line after minutes.

Sundowns waste early chances

In the 10^th minute, Teboho Mokoena attempted from a long rage freekick and Sundowns had to wait for another 15 minutes for another opportunity.

Tashreeq Matthews cut in from the right before firing at goal, but the Wiliete goalkeeper was equal to the task after 25 minutes.

However, in the 39^th minute, Sundowns suffered when Mokoena went down injured with play halted as he received medical attention following a collision and two minutes later, he was taken off for Bathusi Aubaas.

In the second half, Wiliete grew in confidence and started making inroads into the Sundowns half while the Brazilians continued to threaten.

Wiliete threaten in second half

Matthews thought he had scored when he took a good low shot in the 66^th minute but it was straight at the goalkeeper.

However, eight minutes later, the home side nearly stunned the visitors when they got in behind the Sundowns defence, forcing Ricardo Goss into a good save.

There was a second opportunity for Wiliete a few minutes later but a ferocious shot could not find the target.

Sundowns had one final opportunity in the 89th minute as Iqraam Rayners saw his right-footed shot from the edge of the box drift wide.

Miguel Cardoso’s side will now look to complete the job in the second leg at Loftus Versfeld on Friday, October 23.