The fixture brings them face to face with former head coach Rulani Mokwena. Now in charge of MC Alger, Mokwena will be hoping to steady his side after a disappointing start to their continental campaign.

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MC Alger opened their group stage with a 2-1 defeat to Al-Hilal Omdurman at the Amahoro Stadium in Kigali last Friday, leaving them third in the group with no points and a goal difference of -1.

Their Champions League form stands in contrast to their impressive domestic run: they are unbeaten in the Algerian Ligue Professionnelle 1 this season, with seven wins and one draw, and boast the best defensive record in the division, having conceded only three goals.

Sundowns, meanwhile, come into the clash full of confidence after a commanding 3-1 victory over Saint-Eloi Lupopo at Loftus Versfeld on Saturday.

Their Portuguese pair shone brightly, with Nuno Santos netting a brace and Miguel Reisinho supplying two assists to help Masandawana move top of Group C, edging Al-Hilal on goal difference.

“Next match, a Champions League match. We will analyse the team behaviour, prepare ourselves as we go there, make the best and hope the best is enough to win three points. Normal,” said coach Miguel Cardoso.

The South African champions also lead the Betway Premiership, though only on goal difference ahead of Orlando Pirates.

Sundowns have recorded four wins and one defeat in their last five league outings, but Pirates have a game in hand and could yet overhaul them.