Sundowns won all three points in Rustenburg when Themba Zwane scored an early goal that proved to be the difference.
Sundowns made a few changes to their starting lineup, including bringing in captain Denis Onyango in goal.
Sundowns got off to the best possible start as Zwane scored within the first eight minutes of the game.
The attacking midfielder received possession from the edge of the box before opening the scoring with a sublime finish.
Sundowns created a number of goalscoring chances as they dominated the game in midfield but they couldn’t convert.
And that left the Sundowns bench frustrated at times, especially because Al-Hilal had just played a friendly with Cape Town City on Thursday.
Onyango hardly had anything to do in the first half but his defence knew they had so much more to do in the second half.
The second half got off to a slow start but Sundowns showed dominance midway through the stanza without threatening.
Towards the end of the game, Al Ahly had two great opportunities, including the effort that was ruled out due to a foul on Onyango.
Sundowns eventually walked away with all three points, putting them atop Group A with three points from their first game.