CR Belouizdad almost in similar situation to Mamelodi Sundowns - Rulani Mokwena

The draw on Wednesday pitted Sundowns, who topped Group B ahead of Egyptian giants Al Ahly, against Algerian side Belouizdad, who ended runners-up in Group D – behind ES Tunis and ahead of Zamalek.

The Brazilians were confirmed Premiership champions for a sixth time in a row last weekend, as they hold an unassailable 20-point lead with just six games remaining, and Mokwena has warned that, much like them, the reigning Ligue 1 champions cannot be taken lightly as they too hold a somewhat similar advantage in their domestic championship, which they are looking to defend for a fourth straight season.

"It's a draw that we accept with a lot of humility, but also [a] clear understanding that it's going to be very, very difficult. Belouizdad are a very good side, even though they finished second in their group with 10 points," said Mokwena.

"But they've had a very good campaign, both in the Champions League and in their domestic league, where they sit in number one.

"Even though they've played only 17 games, the gap between number one and two is a little bit of a story similar to ours, where there's a big gap of around 13 points [Ed note: Belouizdad hold a seven-point lead with three games in hand].

"So, an interesting side with very good tactical formations and structures, and something we know that, of course, going to Algeria is going to be very difficult, particularly with the traveling and trying to map our way between the domestic fixtures.

"We have Nedbank Cup [quarterfinal] just before we have to travel to Setif, so a lot of work for our management team and the advanced traveling party, but, of course, they've got a lot of experience and we trust them to assist a lot with the preparations."

The two sides will meet for the first leg in Algiers on 21 April, before the return leg is set for Tshwane the following weekend.