Mamelodi Sundowns preserved their unbeaten record in Group B of the 2020-21 Caf Champions League. But they dropped their first points, drawing 0-0 against Sudan’s Al-Hilal at Al-Hilal Stadium in Omdurman on Friday.

Sundowns had already qualified and confirmed first place with rampant form taking them to four wins from four. This includes their 2-0 victory against Hilal in the first round in Pretoria.

Next challengers Hilal had three points (which went to four with the draw on Friday), Algeria’s CR Belouizdad also three, and Democratic Republic of the Congo’s TP Mazembe just two.

So Sundowns had nothing material to play for in Omdurman, other than preserving an unbeaten record.

Perhaps, also, a win at the same venue where Bafana Bafana lost to Sudan on Sunday to fail to qualify for the 2022 Africa Cup of Nations might also have provided revenge as an outside source of motivation for Downs.