Tactically Sundowns were outsmarted by Clinton Larsen, the Celtic coach who had travelled to Mbombela in the last week to spy on the opposition.
Cameroon is the biggest obstacle on the path to Afcon, but two minnows could pull out a surprise.
After tepid home displays South Africa’s three representatives are likely to bow out of Africa.
SA have fallen prey to Nigeria many times, but now have a chance to down the wounded Super Eagles.
After the African Nations Cup debacle, Shakes seems to have no choice but to bring back Bafana’s brash foreign-based players.
Chiefs will have to be creative and Downs will be well-prepared for their next round in the Champions League.
With Kaizer Chiefs back to winning ways in the league and Pirates floundering in their wake, this weekend’s Soweto derby has lost its edge.
The Mamelodi Sundowns coach is confident his club can bypass Chiefs for the PSL title, as they did last season.
In a rare match-up between a top contender and a team from the fourth tier of the local game, Kaizer Chiefs will likely have a light outing.
Coach Pitso Mosimane, with a large pool of players, has embraced the continental mission.