The goalless draw against AS Maniema Union only fuelled the belief by some cynics that Sundowns are perhaps not up to task.
The burning question is whether the current Sundowns crop has what it takes to emulate the class of 2016 that went all the way in the Caf Champions League.
Only they can piece together the puzzle and prove their detractors wrong.
Having reached the semifinals for the past two seasons, there's no denying the fact that the Brazilians would have been one of the favourites to lift the coveted Champions League trophy before the season started alongside other big names like Al-Ahly, Esperance and TP Mazembe.
Sundowns' reputation has grown on the continent over the last couple of years.
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Plenty on the line in Tests
With so much on the line in the Test series starting on Thursday, the Proteas can be forgiven for losing to Pakistan in the ODI series last week, but only if they deliver in the five-day campaign.
BUCS TO BOUNCE BACK?
PREMIERSHIP: RIVEIRO LOOKS TO PIRATES TO GET BACK TO WINNING WAYS
'Beaten Proteas can fight for title'
Despite falling in a 3-0 defeat to Pakistan in their ODI series which concluded on Sunday, Proteas white-ball coach Rob Walter remains confident his squad can put up a fight for the title at next year's Champions Trophy tournament.
'Joshua bout only fight left for Fury'
Tyson Fury has been told the \"only fight\" left for him after his points decision defeat in a world heavyweight boxing title bout with champion Oleksandr Usyk is an all-British clash against Anthony Joshua.
Sharks brace for Stormers
Sharks head coach John Plumtree (above) said the Stormers will target the same three areas the Bulls did in their United Rugby Championship (URC) game at Cape Town Stadium on Saturday.
Jacobs gets Black Caps call-up
Hard-hitting New Zealand batsman Bevon Jacobs earned a maiden call-up yesterday for their T20 series against Sri Lanka, which marks the start of Mitchell Santner's tenure as white-ball captain.
Coach change was a subtle one
LUNGA: COMMUNICATION THE KEY WHEN THIS HAPPENS
Amorim: Utd we 'nervous'
Manchester - Manchester United crashed to a humiliating 3-0 home defeat to Bournemouth on Sunday as Ruben Amorim (above) admitted his \"nervous\" team would have to \"suffer\" before they can get back on track.
Enzo happy despite losing ground
Liverpool manager Enzo Maresca insisted he was \"absolutely happy\" despite his side losing ground in the Premier League title race following a goalless draw away to Everton on Sunday.
Liverpool need to keep pushing
SLOT: TABLE-TOPPING REDS MUST KEEP FOOT ON THE GAS
