Mamelodi Sundowns and ASEC Mimosa played out to a 0-0 draw in their Caf Champions League Group A encounter at the Stade Feliz Houphouet-Boigny on Tuesday night.

Sundowns came into the tie knowing that a victory would put them in control of the group, and all but secure a place in the knockout stages.

The home side, on the other hand, were desperate for the three points to reignite their bid to qualify out of Group A.

ASEC started the game on a positive note as they looked to dominate possession of the ball, while Downs were looking to give nothing away in the opening stages.

Despite this early dominance of possession, it was the Brazilians who created the first real opening of the game as Thapelo Morena was slipped through on goal by Themba Zwane, but he could not keep his shot down, blasting it over the crossbar.

The home side then came close to opening the scoring with 30 minutes gone, but Patrick Malo’s glancing header sailed just wide while the Sundowns defender was switched off.

The South African side looked more threatening as the game went on, but were struggling to create any chance of real note in the remainder of the half as the sides went in level at 0-0 at the break.

Sundowns came out positively in the second stanza and had a golden chance when Themba Zwane got on the end of an Emiliano Tade pass, but the winger blazed his shot over from inside the box with 57 minutes played.

Mimosa then brought Denis Onyango into action with 30 minutes to go, but the shot-stopper dealt with the downward header with ease.

Both sides were struggling to create openings in what was proving to be a tight game.

Sundowns were forced to settle for the point, which moved them temporarily top of Group A with Wydad and Lobi Stars still to play.