The last time Mamelodi Sundowns drew their first two matches in the CAF Champions League group stages, they were knocked out of the competition.
Manqoba Mngqithi's men have been held to two draws in Group B this season, first by Maniema Union in a goalless stalemate on home soil and then by Moroccan club AS FAR away from home over the weekend.
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Sundowns had taken the lead through Bafana Bafana striker Iqraam Rayners, but they were in front for only eight minutes before the hosts levelled matters through Mohamed Rabie Hrimat.
In 2018, when the competition was still played from February to November, Sundowns had a difficult start under then coach Pitso Mosimane. They drew 1-1 with Wydad Casblanca at Lucas Moripe Stadium in their opening group match and then conceded with seven minutes to go in their second match at Horoya in Guinea to draw 2-2.
That season, they finished in third place on six points, behind Wydad and Horoya. That was the last time Sundowns failed to progress to the knockout stages of the competition and now they face the possibility of that happening again this season, should things not improve.
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What will give Sundowns hope is that, despite the slow start, they are in second place in the group. The other group match between Maniema and Raja Casablanca finished 1-1, which means Sundowns are still in a good position to progress, if they can start picking up maximum points.
THE RECORD AFTER TWO MATCHES
2023/24 - three points
2022/23 - six points
2021/22 - four points
2020/21 - six points
2019/20 - four points
2018/19 - three points
