Finally, Mamelodi Sundowns’ Champions League campaign has a pulse.

The Brazilians were forced to dig deep to beat Raja Casablanca 1-0 for their first win of the group stages as they recovered from successive draws against AS Maniema and FAR Rabat to mark a winning start for coach Miguel Cardoso.

With this win, which was secured through a solitary goal by Iqraam Rayners in the second half, Sundowns are equal on five points with FAR Rabat from three matches and they have revived their chances of progressing to the knockout stages.

Rayners’ goal was a result of quick thinking and excellent execution by goalkeeper Ronwen Williams who delivered a breathtaking secondary assist to teenage attacker Kutlwano Letlhaku.

Interest was on how coach Miguel Cardoso was going to pick the team and he went mostly with the tried and tested with the likes of Williams, Teboho Mokoena, Khuliso Mudau, Marcello Allende and Lucas Ribeiro.

The only surprises in his starting line-up were Divine Lunga in defence and Neo Maema, Sphelele Mkhulise in the midfield as they did not enjoy regular game time in recent months.