Substitute Yannick Zakri struck a 71st-minute winner as Mamelodi Sundowns defeated Wydad Casablanca 1-0 at home in the first leg of their CAF Champions League quarter final on Sunday.
The reigning champions have endured a mixed start to the PSL campaign - winning away at SuperSport United and Free State Stars, but falling to a shock home defeat by Polokwane City - and they toiled during an uninspired opening 45 minutes.
The Brazilians were also struggling with a minor injury crisis, with new boy George Lebese among several key names sidelined for the showdown at the Lucas Moripe Stadium.
However, Pitso Mosimane's side upped the ante after the break, and took the lead 20 minutes before time when Zakri fired come through a crowded box after reacting quickest to capitalise on Themba Zwane's knockdown from a corner.
The win leaves Downs with a slender advantage ahead of the return fixture in Morocco on September 23, but
Wydad reached the final eight after topping Group D, demonstrating particularly ominous home form as they won all three matches - including a 2-0 victory over Egyptian giants Al-Ahly - without conceding a goal.
They impressed with a disciplined and rugged first-half display, seeking to slow the contest down, stymie Downs' attacking moves and frustrate the hosts.
However, Hlompho Kekana saw a long-range effort whistle just wide of the posts early on, while Percy Tau's attempts to break through the visitors' defence were denied twice by offside calls.
Wydad posed a threat of their own, however, with Guillaume Daho being denied by Thapelo Morena just after the half-hour mark, and will surely harbour confidence that they can turn the tie round in front of their own fans next weekend.