Ten-man Sundowns put up a spirited performance to beat Sudanese giants Al Hilal 4-2 in their own backyard to seal a top finish in Group A with one game to go.
The South African champions will feel they passed a litmus test after playing for 82 minutes one man down. Kenya international Brian Onyango was sent off in the 11th minute for a last-man foul.
Peter Shalulile had thrust the 2016 African champions ahead in the third minute before Teboho Mokoena doubled the lead in the 29th minute off brilliantly struck free-kick.
After a dominant spell in the early stages of the second half, the hosts managed to pull one back in the 56th minute through Yasir Mozamil, but Thapelo Morena added another four minutes later after a swift counterattack. Morena was back again in the 89th, putting the game beyond the hosts’ reach.
A 93rd-minute goal from Mohamed Osman proved too late for the Sudan giants.
The away victory means Downs have secured qualification for the Group Stage as Group A winners after collecting 13 points from four wins and a draw.
