Sundowns back top, Swallows still in hunt

Mamelodi Sundowns secured a 3-1 win over Santos on Sunday to reclaim top spot as the South African Premiership heads toward a tense mid-May finish. Leading goalscorer Siyabonga Nomvethe raised his tally to 16 goals with a hat-trick. Nigeria-born Santos defender Pere Ariweriyai conceded an own goal with a flying header past Gambian goalkeeper Demba Touray on 20 minutes and Zimbabwean Nyasha Mushekwi made it 2-0 for Sundowns before half-time by nodding in a cross. The match ceased to be a contest on 63 minutes when Hlompho Kekana rifled a weak clearance into the net and Eleazar Rodgers snatched a late consolation goal for the Cape Town strugglers in Pretoria township Atteridgeville. Sundowns lead defending champions Orlando Pirates on goal difference with three rounds left in the chase for first prize and SuperSport United are one point behind, while Swallows are two adrift. Moroka Swallows both led and trailed before snatching a dramatic 3-2 victory over visiting Golden Arrows. Nomvethe put Swallows ahead on 14 minutes and levelled midway through the second half after Thanduyise Khuboni and Thamsanqa Gabuzascored for Arrows. The winner came via a glancing header 19 minutes from time. Premiership action resumes Tuesday with SuperSport hosting Pirates and Sundowns visit off-form Kaizer Chiefs the following day in fixtures set to have a vital bearing on the destiny of the trophy.