Metalist Kharkiv Panoramica

Tanzanian giants have sent shockwaves through East African football by terminating their head coach's contract. The former Mamelodi Sundowns tactician departs Dar es Salaam after a remarkably brief three-month tenure.

"Sundowns' exit and the absence of Al-Ahly and Wydad make the task easier"

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.