Mamelodi Sundowns moved back into second on the Absa Premiership log after a comfortable 3-0 win over Chippa United at Loftus Versfeld on Saturday afternoon.

Downs came into the game looking to close the gap on log-leaders Kaizer Chiefs, who were facing their bogey team of this season –Maritzburg United.

The Brazilians got off to the perfect start when Nicholus Lukhubeni picked the ball up on the halfway line before going on an astonishing run, leaving defenders in his wake before firing the ball into the bottom corner with just two minutes gone.

Pitso Mosimane’s charges then almost doubled their lead 11 minutes later, but Gaston Sirino was unfortunate to see his volley crash off the upright with Themba Zwane missing as well from the rebound.

Downs then hit the bar again in the 22nd minute, this time through Lebohang Maboe who was slipped through on goal but couldn’t take his chance.

Chippa, who had been second best the whole first half, then almost snatched a late equaliser with six minutes to play in the half as Maziya’s cross-cum-shot looped over Sundowns goalkeeper Denis Onyango and hit the goal frame.

It was 1-0 to the home side at the break.

Mosimane’s men came out after the break all fired up and looking to kill off their opposition.

Downs piled on the pressure and it eventually told as Sandile Mthethwa brought down Sibusiso Vilakazi and the referee pointed to the spot. The defender received his marching orders before Zwane stepped up and made no mistake from the spot as Downs doubled their lead with 60 minutes gone.

The defending Absa Premiership champions then wrapped up the points in the 64th minute as Vilakazi profited from an unselfish square ball from Sirino, to tap home after a breathtaking counter-attack.

Sundowns could have added more to the scoreline, but in the end walked away as comfortable 3-0 winners to reclaim the second spot on the log from Orlando Pirates.