Masandawana handed a start to goalkeeper Reyaad Pieterse as Rushine De Reuck, Khuliso Mudau, Lyle Lakay Mothobi Mvala, Lebohang Maboe and Peter Shalulile also came in from the win over SuperSport United.
Sundowns were caught in possession earlier on and allowed Musa Nyatama to bring Pieterse to a save with a snap shot outside the area following a one-two with Ruzaigh Gamildien.
No space to manoeuvre came the way of Masandawana following the opening exchanges, as the Dube Birds adopted a deep-sitting block in line with quick break-attacks.
The Brazilians remained stuck in first gear as the half-hour mark approached and saw the Dube Birds close to the lead with snap efforts from Thabo Matlaba and Kamohelo Mahlatsi.
A set-back followed within five minutes in the wake of star player Themba Zwane being forced off he park due to a knock and Sibusiso Vilakazi slotted in.
That didn't matter as Swallows needed the heroics in goal from Sanele Tshabalala to help a pin-point left-footed strike from Aubrey Modiba behind for a corner-kick.
Swallows was caught out again with a first-time pass by Vilakazi before the last 20 minutes which coincided with Shalulile who fluffed his lines from point-blank range.
Masandawana were nearly behind with 15 minutes to go when Kagiso Malinga towered over Mosa Lebusa to head Sifiso Hlanti's cross onto the woodwork.
The Dube Birds continued to pose trouble as the clock ticked with a promising strike from Fawaaz Basadien, but Pieterse gathered.
Sundowns could've sealed it in the dying stages through Vilakazi following a floating delivery into the area, but he couldn't take aim as it finished goalless.
Swallows: Tshabalala, Matlaba, Ngcobo, Sait, Hlanti, Thibedi, Nyatama, Mokoena, Gamildien, Sekgota, Mbokoma,
Subs: Ngobeni, Sibiya, Basadien, Senwamadi, Khupe, Seabi, Mere, Mahlatsi, Malinga.
Sundowns: Pieterse, De Reuck, Lebusa, Coetzee, Lakay Mudau, Modiba, Mvala, Maboe, Zwane, Shalulile,
Subs: Mweene, Affonso, Mauleka, B.Onyango, Kapinga, Domingo, Morena, Vilakazi, Margeman.