Mamelodi Sundowns will come up against their CAF Champions League quarterfinals opponents at the back of their first defeat since Rulani Mokwena took over faced with fresh worries.
Sundowns will make the long trip to Algeria for a date with CR Belouizdad at the Stade Nelson Mandela in Baraki on Saturday evening in the first leg of the tie that decides who proceeds to the semi-finals where either Wydad Casablanca or Simba SC will be waiting.
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Having already wrapped up the DStv Premiership title and being knocked out of the Nedbank Cup, the Champions League is the only trophy left to play for.
It is the prime target for The Brazilians.
With Sundowns' league match against Richards Bay now moved to next Tuesday, April 25, it means the game against the Algerian champions is their only thought for this week.
Belouizdad are unbeaten in 19 league games this season in Algeria's Ligue 1 where they are seeking their fourth domestic title in a row.
They are eight points ahead despite having played two games less and have conceded 10.
At the other end of the pitch, they have scored 32 goals.
Such is their strength at home that they have only lost once in 16 games with that defeat having come against Esperance de Tunis in February.
"They are a very good team with good players," says Ahmedi Waheb Djamel, an Algerian journalist.
"They are top of the standings here in Algeria and have some very good players so that should already tell you something," says Djamel.
"Their coach (Nabil Kouki) is Tunisian and knows what he is doing with that team.
"He is a really good coach and has been top of the standings here since the first day that he came.
"They can impose their game on Sundowns and will bother them even though Sundowns is a good team with a great run in this competition," says Djamal.
CR Belouizdad are known to Sundowns with the two having played in the same group two years ago.
The Brazilians hammered them 5-1 in Algeria and having already gone by the time the second leg was played in Tshwane, Downs then lost 2-0.
Of note is that the Algerians' appetite on the continent has been growing.
They have reached the Champions League quarterfinals for three years in a row and are aiming to go further this year and for that to happen, it will be at the expense of Sundowns.
Alexis Benoit Guendouz has been the choice between the posts.
At the back, they have had Youcef Amine Laouafi, Mohammed Sofiane Bouchar, and Mokhtar Belkhither.
In midfield, they have had Mohammed Bakir, Abderrahmane Bourdim, Zakaria Draoui, Houssem Mrezigue
Then in attack, they have had Mohamed Belkhir, Leonel Wamba Djouffo, and Anayo Iwuala.
"I watched them in the group stages when they came to play against a very bad Zamalek team," says Egypt based agent Amr Hosni who has extensive knowledge of North African football.
"So, I couldn't judge them based on that match, but they appear a decent football-playing team.
"However, I feel Sundowns is a better team than them for sure.
"Zamalek competes at a level higher than Al Ahly, so you have to give them credit for that.
"What I know for sure about that Algerian team is that they will fight very hard especially when playing at home in front of their fans.
"They have players that can cause an upset and what helps them is that they are normally winning games in their league.
"As individuals, Sundowns has better quality and as a team, Sundowns is better as well.
"The nature of football is such that nothing is guaranteed so there will be competition," says Hosni.
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