Accra:Hearts Mamelodi Sundowns have joined the ranks of former CAF Champions League winners who failed to progress to the group stage in the season following their continental triumph. The South African team faced elimination in the 2026 campaign after being held by Angolan side Wiliete SC in the second preliminary round.
According to Ghana Web, the shock came after Sundowns played to a goalless draw in the first leg and a 1-1 draw at Loftus Versfeld, allowing Wiliete to advance on the away-goals rule. This setback places Sundowns among several previous champions who have encountered similar disappointments.
Moroccan giants Raja Casablanca, after their 1999 victory, faced elimination by Senegalese side Jeanne d’Arc in 2000. Similarly, Ghana's Hearts of Oak were ousted in 2001 by Étoile du Congo after winning in 2000. Egyptian powerhouse Al Ahly failed to reach the group stage in 2002 and faced early exits again in 2009 and 2014.
Other teams sharing this fate include Zamalek in 2003, Étoile du Sahel in 2008, and TP Mazembe in 2011 and 2016. These instances highlight the challenges defending champions often face in sustaining their success in the CAF Champions League.