The second-leg matches of the 2026–27 CAF Champions League second preliminary round delivered a dramatic night of surprises.

Defending champions Mamelodi Sundowns suffered an early exit, while MC Alger and Angola's Petro Atletico overturned first-leg defeats to secure places in the group stage.

Friday, October 23, brought unexpected results, impressive comebacks, and decisive late goals, showing that even the biggest clubs cannot take qualification for granted.

Sundowns Suffer Shock Exit

The biggest surprise came when Angola's Wiliete eliminated Mamelodi Sundowns following a 1-1 draw at Loftus Versfeld Stadium in South Africa.

Sundowns made a strong start and took the lead in the 11th minute when Tashreeq Matthews' shot deflected off an Angolan defender and found the net.

However, Wiliete responded early in the second half.

Striker Cristovao Mabululu took advantage of a misplaced pass in midfield and scored the equalizer in the 49th minute.

With the first leg in Angola ending goalless, Wiliete advanced on the away-goals rule, ending Sundowns' hopes of defending their continental title.

Meanwhile, MC Alger produced one of the most exciting comebacks of the round against Nigeria's Enugu Rangers.

After losing the first leg 2-0, the Algerian side claimed a 3-0 home victory at Ali Ammar Stadium to secure qualification.

Chahr Eddine Boukhelda opened the scoring in the 58th minute before Mohamed Saliou Bangoura doubled the lead in the 84th minute.

With the tie heading toward a tense finish, Sofiane Bayazid scored in the second minute of stoppage time, completing a remarkable comeback and sending MC Alger through 3-2 on aggregate.

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More Comebacks and Egyptian Hopes

Petro Atletico also completed an impressive turnaround against Zimbabwe's Scotland FC.

The Angolan side recovered from a 2-0 first-leg defeat by winning the return match 3-0, securing a 3-2 aggregate victory and a place in the group stage.

Orlando Pirates enjoyed a more comfortable route to qualification, defeating African Stars 5-0 on aggregate.

The South African club followed its 1-0 first-leg victory with an impressive 4-0 win in the return fixture.

Attention now turns to Egypt's representatives, Zamalek and Pyramids, who are preparing for their decisive second-leg matches on Saturday, October 24.

Zamalek host Rwanda's APR after securing a valuable 1-0 away victory in the first leg.

The Egyptian side will look to protect its advantage and confirm a place in the group stage.

Pyramids also enter their home match against Al Merrikh Bentiu with a 1-0 first-leg lead.

They will aim to finish the job at the Air Defense Stadium.

With Sundowns unexpectedly eliminated and several teams producing dramatic comebacks, the competition has already shown how unpredictable African football can be.

The remaining second-leg matches could deliver even more surprises as clubs battle for the final group-stage places.