Mamelodi Sundowns returned to winning ways in the Absa Premiership after claiming a 3-0 victory over Black Leopards at Loftus Versfeld Stadium on Wednesday, writes DYLAN APPOLIS.

The Brazilians came into this encounter on a two-game losing streak in all domestic competitions, having suffered defeats in the Nedbank Cup against Chippa United and in the league against AmaZulu last week.

Meanwhile, Leopards had gone on a six-game unbeaten run under coach Dylan Kerr before their defeat to Bloemfontein Celtic.

The Brazilians showed their intent early on, but failed to break the deadlock when Anthony Laffor teed up Lebohang Maboe, and he failed to capitalise on his chance.

The Leopards were then dealt a major blow when Tshwarelo Bereng was forced off the field through injury, to be replaced by Robert Ng’ambi.

Maboe should have handed his side the lead in the 35th minute when Laffor once again picked him out with a cross into the area, but Maboe failed to hit the target from close range.

However, Sundowns’ persistence paid off and they were rewarded five minutes later when Gaston Sirino picked out Maboe, who volleyed his effort home from close range.

The home side managed to hold on to their lead as the game went into the half-time break.

Leopards got the second half off to a slow start, but managed to conjure up an effort at goal, though Jean Munganga skied his effort over the target.

Sundowns responded swiftly and doubled their lead three minutes later after Leopards had failed to deal with a cross into the area before Khomotso Masia turned the ball into his own net.

The visitors had a chance to reduce the deficit after 64 minutes when Lesedi Kapinga received a cut-back pass before firing his effort at goal, but he was unable direct his shot towards the target.

Leopards had another go at goal five minutes later when Ivan Mahangwahaya unleashed a powerful strike from just outside the area, but his attempt flew over the crossbar.

Kerr’s men started to gain momentum after the 70th-minute mark, but were struggling to create clear-cut opportunities in the final third despite their best efforts on attack.

Sundowns were then awarded a penalty in the 85th minute when Pentjie Zulu was adjudged to have handled the ball in the area. Ricardo Nascimento stepped up and made no mistake from the spot-kick.

Phakamani Mahlambi had two chances in quick succession to extend Sundowns’ lead, but Leopards keeper King Ndlovu was on hand to deal with both these chances.

Sundowns held on to their lead over Leopards until the final whistle to claim all points at Loftus Versfeld Stadium.