Sundowns Out, Pirates In: What South Africa Takes Into the Champions League Group Stage

Africasoccer reports that the first leg in Lubango ended goalless and the second leg in Pretoria finished 1-1, which would send Wiliete through on away goals. The TimesLIVE photo caption also speaks of an away goals defeat at Loftus Versfeld, but we could not read the full match report, so we are treating the exact scorelines as something Chidi should verify. The headline fact, that Wiliete went through and Sundowns did not, is repeated by several outlets.

For Sundowns supporters this is painful because the club entered as defending champions. A tie that stays level over two games leaves no room for one bad ten minutes, and away goals can turn a draw into heartbreak. It is a reminder that African club football rewards the team that is sharp on both nights, no matter how big the badge.

Orlando Pirates were drawn in Group C with Renaissance Berkane of Morocco, Simba of Tanzania and Colombe Sportive of Cameroon. Africasoccer also reports that Pirates beat African Stars 5-0 on aggregate to reach this stage, though that figure comes from one report only. Three of the four teams in the group come from different corners of the continent, so travel will be a real test for the squad.

Pirates fans will know that a group of four is a small league where every point counts. A single slip at home can cost a club a place in the last eight, so the early matches matter more than they seem. Supporters should also remember that the reports we read did not name players or injuries, so any talk of form should come from the official club channels. Planning your viewing early will save you the stress of last minute changes.

Wiliete, the team that knocked out Sundowns, landed in Group A with Esperance, Petro Atletico and FC Nouadhibou. That means South African fans will not see them meet Pirates before the knockout stage. One report says the group stage starts on the weekend of 27 to 29 November, but another only says November to January, so please check the official CAF fixture list for exact dates.

If you bet on these matches, remember that one result does not tell you who is strong. Sundowns showed that reputation can fail over two legs, so avoid putting a big share of your budget on a team just because of its name. Smaller, planned stakes on markets you understand are usually kinder to your wallet and your mood.

Odds and promotions change quickly, so check the live operator cards on Betradar Africa for current terms from licensed South African partners, and never treat an offer as a fixed amount. Betting is for adults aged 18 and over. Please set a budget before you play, never chase losses, and speak to someone you trust or a support service in your country if gambling stops being fun.