Mamelodi Sundowns dealt Tshwane rivals SuperSport United a major blow in the Absa Premiership title race, defeating 'Matsatsantsa' 3-1 at the Super Stadium on Tuesday evening.

A brace of goals from Brent Carelse ensured that the Brazilians continued their excellent recent form under caretaker coach Trott Moloto and surged up into the top half of the table.

United's Siboniso Gaxa pulled on back in the 85th minute, but Peter Ndlovu restored the two goal lead within a minute to ensure there was no late comeback from the hosts.

Sundowns got off to the perfect start when Carelse handed them an eighth-minute lead, turning home Surprise Moriri's cross.

Sibusiso Mahlangu came close to bringing United level in the 19th minute with a left-footed drive but Brian Baloyi pulled off a fine save to keep his side's lead intact.

Just past the half hour mark Moriri got on the end of Lerato Chabangu's corner but his header flashed wide of Andre Arendse's goal.

The hosts had the last good scoring chance of the first half, with Katlego Mphela heading straight at Baloyi from Rudi Isaacs' cross in the 42nd minute, leaving it 1-0 in favour of the 'Brazilians' at the break.

United coach Gavin Hunt introduced Denis Masina at the start of the second half and threw young prodigy Kermit Erasmus into the mix just past the hour mark, but neither could turn the tide in favour of their team.

In fact Sundowns looked the likelier scorers, as Chabangu put a shot just off target a few minutes before Josta Dladla had his effort well saved by Arendse. And finally, in the 72nd minute, Carelse sealed the three points for his side with a right-footed drive into the top corner of the net.

SuperSport did pull one back late on, with defender Siboniso Gaxa scoring from a stunning long range shot, but 'Downs came up with an immediate riposte as substitute Peter Ndlovu scored from 12 yards out in the 86th minute.

Sundowns move up to fourth place in the Absa Premiership, level on 38 points with Golden Arrows. SuperSport remain top, three and five points clear of fellow title chasers Ajax Cape Town and Santos respectively, but the Cape Town duo both have a game in hand.

365