Mamelodi Sundowns winger Tashreeq Matthews has reflected on the club’s shock CAF Champions League exit, admitting it is “very difficult to get over” missing out on the opportunity to defend their continental title.
Masandawana crashed out of the Champions League this past weekend after playing to a 1-1 draw against Wiliete SC in the second leg of the second preliminary round.
The Angolan side advanced to the group stage with an away-goal rule after holding Sundowns to a goalless draw in the first leg.
In a match against Wiliete, Sundowns opened the scoring in the first-half with a goal from Matthews. The defending champions conceded a goal in the second-half after the veteran attacker Mabululu punished their defensive error to net the all-important goal at the Loftus Versfeld Stadium.
After the shock elimination, Matthews has opened up on missing the opportunity to defend their continental title, stressing the importance of shifting focus to other competitions on offer.
WHAT TASHREEQ MATTHEWS SAID ABOUT MAMELODI SUNDOWNS ELIMINATION FROM THE CAF CHAMPIONS LEAGUE AGAINST WILIETE
“I think after the game, we have to reflect, but it’s also important that you take the step forward. It’s very difficult to get over what happened,” Matthews told Sundowns media department.
“But at the end of the day you have to take the step forward because there are other trophies to be won. Yes, the Champions League is the biggest thing in Africa, but we still have a lot of trophies to look forward to.”
Matthews has been one of the integral figures at Sundowns, making a huge contribution to the club’s success, which included winning the Champions League last season before dethroning Orlando Pirates from their four-season MTN8 dominance a few weeks ago.
The 26-year-old has featured in over 100 appearances across all competitions for Sundowns since joining the club in January 2024. He scored 25 goals and provided 19 assists for Downs.
Sundowns will switch their focus to the Carling Knockout Cup Last 16 clash against Marumo Gallants on Tuesday night at Loftus Versfeld Stadium.
Interestingly, Gallants knocked Sundowns out of the Carling Cup Round of 16 in the previous campaign after prevailing on penalties.
The Chloorkop-based outfit will be eager to avoid last season’s embarrassment and claim a convincing win against Bahlabane Ba Ntwa to join teams such as Golden Arrows, Siwelele, AmaZulu FC, and Sekhukhune United in the CKO quarter-finals.
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