Racing de Veracruz II Overview

The Portuguese tactician has delivered a frank assessment of the setback, describing the result as a 'punch in the face' for the reigning African champions. The Brazilians' continental campaign came to an abrupt end on Friday night after they failed to overcome Wiliete SC in the preliminary round.

The Masandawana mentor offered no excuses after the title holders' disastrous Champions League collapse, pointing squarely at his squad for their premature elimination. A historic upset by Wiliete SC means the South African heavyweights will miss the tournament's group phase for the first time since 2015, leaving the head coach to lament a performance he believes was entirely self-inflicted.

Shocking scenes at Loftus Versfeld on Friday night as the defending champions saw their CAF Champions League campaign come to an early end. Masandawana failed to get past the Angolan side, leaving the Tshwane giants stunned as their hopes of reaching the group stages were dashed.

The defending champion hangs in the balance