Downs back on top

Mamelodi Sundowns registered only their second win in eight games to reclaim their spot at the top of the Absa Premiership, adding to Black Leopards' relegation woes in the process.

Black Leopards (1) 1 - Mamelodi Sundowns (1) 2

The visiting team, whose 17-week lead at the top of the league standings was briefly ended by Orlando Pirates on Monday night, took a quick lead in the second minute with a Punch Masenamela long-range effort that left Leopards goalkeeper Azwindini Maphaha stunned.

It was Masenamela's second goal of the season, with his first coming in the 3-2 home defeat against Ajax Cape Town in September.

The Sundowns left back then turned provider in the 21st minute, setting up striker Nyasha Mushekwi to head in Sundowns' second of the night.

Mushekwi's goal also gave the Brazilians the lead for the second time in the match following Tiyani Mabunda's equaliser 10 minutes after Sundowns had broken the deadlock.

The Leopards goal came from a corner kick that really should not have been given after the ball had come off one of the home side's players.

However, Leopards made the most of it and punished the Pretoria outfit when Mabunda headed goalwards from a Luyolo Mapolisa corner kick.

At the other end, Maphaha was having a nightmare.

Having been beaten twice in the first half already, his confidence had taken a knock and he had several near-howlers.

In the 33rd minute, former Sundowns skipper Esrom Nyandoro, making his first league start of the season, put in a good cross to find Mushekwi, whose header was surprisingly saved by Maphaha.

And that was just about the keeper's last contribution. He was substituted by Thabang Maluleke a minute into the second half.

Maphaha was fielded in place of first-choice keeper Posnett Omony, who was injured in Leopards' African Confederations Cup match against Saint Eloi Lupopo last week.

In his last match between the sticks, when his team faced Kaizer Chiefs in the Nedbank Cup about two weeks ago, Maphaha conceded four goals - all scored by striker Lehlohonolo Majoro.

Sundowns enjoyed the majority of the ball possession, mostly thanks to the return of midfielder and captain Teko Modise from a one-match suspension.

The Brazilians are tied on 46 points with defending champions Pirates, but lead the standings via a superior goal difference.

Leopards are still caught up in the relegation dogfight. Only three points separate them and second-from-bottom Santos. Jomo Cosmos remain the basement dwellers.