Mamelodi Sundowns returned to winning ways in the Absa Premiership after edging SuperSport United 2-1 in the latest edition of the Tshwane derby on Sunday, writes DYLAN APPOLIS.

The Brazilians came into this game after suffering a narrow 1-0 defeat to Orlando Pirates in their previous league encounter at the Orlando Stadium.

Meanwhile, Matsatsantsa came into this game after they secure a 2-0 victory over AmaZulu in their last league clash last Sunday.

Sundowns got off to a good start and nearly took the lead in the 11th minute but Sibusiso Vilakazi blazed his effort wide of the target.

Both sides pressed forward after 20 minutes of play as they went in search of the opening goal of the Tshwane derby.

Sundowns eventually managed to break the deadlock after 32 minutes when Tebogo Langerman’s cross deflected off of Onismor Bhasera and into the path of Themba Zwane, who slotted the ball home from close range.

The visitors should have doubled their lead with six minutes left to play but Gaston Sirino’s volley sailed over the target.

The Brazilians managed to hold on to their one-goal lead over Matsatsantsa as the game went into the half time break.

SuperSport opted to bring on a fresh pair of legs early in the second half when Thamsanqa Gabuza came on for Fleurs.

The home side were then awarded a penalty a minute later. Dean Furman stepped up and made no mistake from the spot-kick to level matters.

Sundowns managed to take the lead for the second time in the 65th minute when Thapelo Morena found the net with a classy volley after latching on to a Hlompho Kekana cross.

SuperSport should have levelled matters four minutes later after some great interplay between Gabuza and Bradley Grobler, but saw his effort dragged wide of the target.

Pitso Mosimane was forced to make a change with 12 minutes left in the match after Morena sustained an injury and was subsequently replaced by Phakamani Mahlambi.

Ronwen Williams came to his sides rescue in the closing stages of the game when he made a good save to deny Mahlambi’s effort from six yards out.

However, Sundowns held on to their lead over SuperSport until the final whistle to collect all three points and reduce Kaizer Chiefs’ lead to just six points.