Mamelodi Sundowns endured a difficult afternoon in Egypt as they were held to a goalless draw by Al Merreikh in their Caf Champions League Group A clash on Saturday afternoon.
Downs handed new signing Erwin Saavedra his first start in place of the injured Pavol Safranko while Rivaldo Coetzee was named ahead of Teboho Mokoena.
The South African champions started on the front foot and almost got an early opener when Themba Zwane was slipped through on goal by Peter Shalulile but goalkeeper Monged Abuzaid was on hand to make a save at point-blank range.
Downs continued to push forward and had another big chance with 18 minutes gone as Khuliso Madau latched onto a poor back pass to go clear on goal on the right side, but he scooped his shot over the crossbar.
With Sundowns throwing men forward, the home side looked to take advantage of the space in begind as Algozoli Hussien got on the end of a break and received a square pass unmarked in the six-yard box but his shot towards goal was cleared off the line by Brian Onyango.
The away side were then dealt a major blow moments later as Saavedra was forced off through injury and was replaced by Thabiso Kutumela for the remainder of the half.
0-0 at the break despite both sides being presented with good chances to take the lead.
The home side came out with great intent at the start of the second half as they were pushing Sundowns back and Amir Suliman found the back of the net on the hour-mark with a great strike into the bottom corner, but his goal was disallowed for offside.
Kutumela then had a chance to break the deadlock for Masandawana in the last quarter of an hour after cutting towards goal on the edge of the box, but his curling strike missed wide of the post.
The home side were sensing the opportunity for a famous winning and were pushing for a winner in the closing stages but it was Downs who had the chance to snatch a late winner but Kutumela poked his shot wide from just outside the six yard box.
Sundowns remain top of the group heading into next weeks big clash against Al Ahly.