Mamelodi Sundowns squandered the chance to take control of Group A after their 0-0 draw against Al-Merrikh in Cairo on Saturday afternoon.
Downs looked in control of the game for large spells of the first half as they sprayed possession around the pitch that has become synonymous with their style of play.
But they lacked the cutting edge spurning several chances to open the scoring, with only one shot on target registered over the 90 minutes of the 11 attempts while Lesedi Kapinga missed a glorious chance with the last kick of the game.
Meanwhile, the Sudanese giants who were playing their home game in Al-Salam City, where Sundowns next opponent Al Ahly play their home games tested Dennis Onyango four times from their 12 attempts.
It proved a valiance display from Lee Clarke’s side in their group opener as the opening rounds of fixtures have lived up to the Group of Death billing.
With four points from their opening two games with the win over Al Hilal and the point against their rivals, Downs would be satisfied with the return but could have enjoyed more comfortable going into the tie against Al Ahly next week.
The Brazilians will remain in Cairo until the fixture which is scheduled to take place next Saturday, while Ahly is set to face Misr Lel Makasa on Tuesday before their highly-anticipated meeting.
However, a worrying sign will no doubt be Erwin Saavedra and Rushine De Reuck being forced off with injury in the 38th minute and 87th minute respectively.
Confirmed line-ups:
Al-Merrikh XI: Salman, Mohammed (Abd Alla 46′), Mahamoud, Taifour (Saadeldin 78′), Musa, Ahmed, Ali, Agab, Nooh, Omayarue (Badawi 78′), Mohamed
Sundowns XI: D. Onyango, B. Onyango, De Reuck (Kekana 87′), Lakay, Mudau, Coetzee, Jali (Mokoena 87′), Saavedra (Kutumela 38′), Ralani (Erasmus 68′), Zwane (Kapinga 87′), Shalulile.
