Ten-man Mamelodi Sundowns claimed a 2-1 victory over Baroka FC at Loftus Versfeld on Tuesday as goals from Rivaldo Coetzee and a Themba Zwane rocket fired them 15 points clear at the top of the table.

The Brazilians started on the front foot and came close to scoring in  the opening exchanges as Rushine de Reuck rose highest to meet Lyle Lakay’s corner, but his effort flew just wide.

The sides then traded chances as, first, Kermit Erasmus forced Oscarine Masuluke into a smart save before Denis Onyango stopped an effort from Christopher Sekela.

Then, Erasmus tried his luck with a snap-shot from the edge of the area with Oscarine Masuluke making the save and, soon after, Christopher Sekela forced a save out of Denis Onyango.

Downs were then dealt a blow as Peter Shaluilie was forced off after a clash of heads from a corner in the 23rd minute, with Pavol Safranko coming on in his place.

The defending champions suffered a setback moments before the break as Erasmus was sent off for showing dissent after receiving a foul. Despite his marching orders, Downs managed to snatch the lead from the resulting set piece as Rivaldo Coetzee found himself in the right place to tap into an empty net after the ball fell kindly to his feet.

Sundowns came out looking to control the game in the second half, but Baroka always remained a threat against the run of play. They fashioned a chance as Bobete got his head to a cross from Richard Mbulu but nodded it into Onyango’s arms.

Bakgaga, however, eventually got the leveller with 20 minutes to go as Mbulu neatly turned De Reuck before letting fly with a rocket shot which flashed past Onyango at his near post.

Downs, though, hit back to regain the lead as Zwane picked up the ball outside the box and let loose a powerful drive which flew into the top left-hand corner, leaving Denwin Farmer stranded.

With the end result 2-1, the Brazilians moved 15 points clear at the top of the table.