Sundowns win to move within three points of leaders Pirates

Johannesburg (AFP) – Mamelodi Sundowns got back on the winning trail and rose to second in the South African Premiership after a 2-1 away win over relegation-threatened Baroka FC on Saturday.

The victory followed a shock home loss three days ago to SuperSport United in a Pretoria derby and set up a thrilling climax to the league season with three rounds remaining.

Sundowns trail Orlando Pirates by three points, but have a match in hand, while second-from-bottom Baroka fell into the relegation zone, below Chippa United on goal difference.

Brazilian centre-back Ricardo Nascimento converted a penalty to give the visitors a half-time lead in northern city Polokwane.

Baroka levelled soon after half-time through Onkabetse Makgantai after a careless clearance by Zambian goalkeeper Kennedy Mweene.

Within five minutes, Sundowns were ahead again as Themba Zwane scored from close range after finding himself unmarked inside the box.

Baroka hopes of another comeback were dented when Zimbabwean Rodwell Chinyengetere got a straight red card 15 minutes from time for stamping on the foot of an opponent.

Sundowns are also in contention for the CAF Champions League and play Wydad Casablanca in Morocco on May 26 in a semi-final first leg.