Despite a gruelling season and an injury list which has caused many alterations to their line-ups, Mamelodi Sundowns have kept alive their chance of qualifying for the CAF Champions League knockout phase.

The reigning champions played to a goalless draw with Tunisian giants Esperance on Wednesday in Rades to move to second place in Group C on five points, with two matches to play against Ethiopia's St George and the Democratic Republic of Congo's AS Vita.

Sundowns started with an attack-minded team against Esperance midweek, playing Sibusiso Vilakazi and Themba Zwane just in front of Hlompho Kekana in midfield, while Anthony Laffor and Percy Tau operated on the flanks.

Yannick Zakri played upfront, but Sundowns were unable to get the win they wanted after losing to the same side 2-1 in Atteridgeville earlier this month.

Coach Pitso Mosimane, however, was content with a draw as it kept them in the race to qualify for the last eight.

"The result is positive because we are second in the group.

"So we don't have to be emotional. I think we played tactically well. The game was well organised from both teams.

"This is a kind of game where you see both teams disciplined. We hoped we could have won, but we only had one clear chance from Percy.

"He might have missed the chance, but I think he played well," said Mosimane, who admits there will be pressure in the remaining matches in the group phase.

"There's pressure on both of us [Sundowns and Esperance]. We are going to Addis [Ababa] and Esperance is going to Kinshasa, so it's not going to be easy.

"But we have to make sure that after the match in Addis we remain number two in the group.

"You have to be clever and progress slowly until the six group games are finished."

Sundowns will play St George in Addis Ababa on July 1 and Vita in Atteridgeville on July 7.