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Cape Town - Mamelodi Sundowns reclaimed the lead in the Absa Premiership after claiming a 2-1 win over Maritzburg United at the Harry Gwala Stadium on Tuesday.
Sundowns made the perfect start to the game when they took the lead in the fifth minute when Emiliano Tade found the back of net after Lebohang Maboe's neat back-heel created an opportunity for the Argentinean.
The hosts had their first opportunity in the 12th minute after a swift counter-attack, but Denis Onyango in the Downs goal snuffed out the danger.
The visitors doubled their lead in the 21st minute thanks to a precise finish from Lebohang Maboe after Gaston Sirino's ball found the Bafana Bafana striker unmarked.
Eric Tinkler's side had their best chance of the first half shortly before the half hour mark, but Fortune Makaringe was unable to beat Onyango with two shots in quick succession.
The hosts had another opportunity to pull one back before the half-time break, but once again Onyango bailed on the visitors with a save from Yannick Zakri's shot.
Sirino proved to be a thorn in the Maritzburg side after the break and the Uruguayan nearly added a third for Pitso Mosimane's side in the 52nd minute. After a mazy run he got his shot away but the out-stretched Richard Ofori was able to make the save.
On the hour mark the hosts received a massive boost to their chances when Sirino was given his marching orders for two bookings in quick succession, the second for descend.
Sundowns' defense were being tested more and more following the red card and the hosts nearly pulled one back in the 70th minute, but Judas Moseamedi's spectacular volley missed narrowly.
Five minutes later Sundowns had the chance to put the game to bed, but Themba Zwane's shot was off target with only the 'keeper to beat.
With eight minutes left on the clock the hosts got the goal they arguably deserved - Pogiso Sanoka fired in an accurate cross and Fortune Makaringe made no mistake with the finish.
Despite their numerical advantage, the hosts were unable to fashion another clear chance in the closing stages of the game.
