Mamelodi Mamelodi Sundowns started their CAF Champions League group campaign with a goalless draw against Maniema Union on Tuesday evening.
Sundowns made six changes to the side that lost against Magesi in the Carling Knockout final, as Thapelo Morena, Erwin Saavedra, Arthur Sales, Divine Lunga, Kobamelo Kodisang and Malibongwe Khoza were brought in.
The Brazilians were quick off the blocks as after the quarter of an hour, Lucas Ribeiro Costa came close to giving them the lead with a low strike that brushed the post from a save by goalkeeper Brudel Liyongo.
Maniema were spirited at the back, however, as they were quick to close down their hosts and on the half-hour mark Teboho Mokoena almost broke the deadlock with a dipping free-kick that was tipped over the crossbar by Liyongo.
Manqoba Mngqithi's charges continued to pressurize the Democratic Republic of Congo outfit and just before the interval, Marcelo Allende had a chance in the box but his curling shot was smothered by Liyongo and the sides went to the break deadlocked.
Masandawana increased their tempo from the interval as six minutes later Sales forced Liyongo into a reflex save from close-range.
Sundowns pushed forward in numbers but they were caught on a counter-attack around the hour-mark after Jephté Kitambala went through on goal and had a diagonal shot in the box that missed the far post agonizingly wide.
The Green and Black gained confidence and with 20 minutes to go, Exaucia Moanda had a glorious chance unmarked in the six-yard box with a strike that came off the crossbar.
Mngqithi reacted with a double change a moment later, as Peter Shalulile and Neo Maema both came on for Sales and Saavedra to reinforce the attack.
The Tshwane had a sense of urgency in the dying minutes as Costa almost snatched the winner with a rocket from the edge of the box that hit the crossbar after a tipped save by Liyongo.
Papy Kimoto's troops were resolute at the back, as they defended in numbers and frustrated Sundowns to a stalemate.
The sides got a point apiece in Group B.
Confirmed line-ups:
Mamelodi Sundowns: Williams, Khoza, Mokoena, Kekana, Lunga, Morena, Kodisang, Saavedra, Allende, Sales, Ribeiro
Subs: Onyango, Modiba, Marema, Aubaas, Mkhulise, Mudau, Maseko, Mvala, Shalulile