Cape Town - Chippa United were humbled by Mamelodi Sundowns when they lost 3-0 during their Absa Premiership encounter at Lucas Moripe Stadium on Tuesday night.
Goals by Leonardo Castro, Teko Modise and Khama Billiat allowed Pitso Mosimane’s men to consolidate their number one position on the log.
They now have 39 points and lead the second-paced Mpumalanga Black Aces by five points and Bidvest Wits by seven points.
Although the Chilli Boys displayed good touches in the opening stages of the match, they played too deep as they attempted to build up from the back.
As a result, in the first five minutes, Dan Malesela’s men conceded when Billiat stole the ball from James Okwuosa and handed it to Castro who easily slotted the ball home, 1-0.
Modise attempted a shot after receiving a great cross from Keagan Dolly on the left 12 minutes into the match, but his shot went narrowly wide.
Thamsanqa Sangweni took a good low shot in the 20th minute, but it went straight to the well positioned Dennis Onyango.
In the 42nd minute, poor defending by United in the middle of the park allowed Billiat to steal and play Modise in the box - his initial shot was stopped by he scored in his second attempt, 2-0.
On the stroke of half time, Billiat netted a third for Sundowns as he managed to beat Akpeyi from the d-line with a fine left footed finish, 3-0.
It was 3-0 at the interval and the hosts continued where they left off with Billiat missing a sitter after a sweet lay off by Hlompho Kekana .
15 minutes into the second half, Modise tried a curling set piece in an aim to beat Akpeyi, but it went over the bar.
With 13 minutes to go Pitso Mosimane brought in Lebohang Mokoena for Dolly and the winger made an immediate impact when he went for a shot but that produced a fine save from Akpeyi.
In an aim to make it four, Cuthbert Malajila was then denied by Akpeyi with six minutes to go.
The loss means Malesela’s charges remain placed at sixth spot with 22 points from 17 matches