Chiefs stumble, door open for Downs, SuperSport and Wits

The weekend's Absa Premiership action saw leaders Kaizer Chiefs stumble and open the door somewhat for chasers such as Mamelodi Sunday, SuperSport United and Bidvest Wits, while Cape Town City claimed a clutch win to move away from the bottom of the log.

SuperSport edged out log-topping Kaizer Chiefs 2-1 at the Mbombela Stadium in Nelspruit on Saturday evening in the biggest match of the weekend.

Thamsanqa Gabuza and Bradley Grobler both scored for Matsatsantsaa as they handed Amakhosi their second league defeat of the season.

Meanwhile, defending champions Sundowns cut Chiefs' lead to four points after defeating AmaZulu 3-0 at the Moses Mabhida Stadium in Durban, while Wits (who have three games in hand on the Amakhosi) boosted their chances of challenging for this season's league title by brushing aside Stellenbosch 2-0 away.

Orlando Pirates remain inconsistent in the league as they were held to 1-1 draw by Bloemfontein Celtic at the Dr Molemela Stadium.

Pirates, who are yet to win two matches in a row this season, opened the scoring through Frank Mhango, but Siphelele Luthuli grabbed a late equaliser.

Meanwhile, Salulani Phiri and Charlton Mashumba both netted for Polokwane City, who eased their relegation woes and broke a nine-game losing streak in the league by defeating 10-man Chippa United 2-0 at the Peter Mokaba Stadium, while Friday night's clash saw a late show from Maritzburg United to defeat KwaZulu-Natal rivals Golden Arrows 2-1.

Sunday's key result was a 1-0 win for Cape Town City over Baroka in a relegation six-pointer, with Thamsanqa Mkhize's goal sending the Citizens up to the relative safety of 11th, while Bakgaga dropped to the bottom of the standings.

At the same time in Makhulong, Highlands Park defeated Black Leopards to rise into fifth place and continue their fine campaign, while Lidoda Duvha edge closer to the red zone.

The Absa Premiership will continue with a full round of fixtures on the midweek of 7-8 January.

Absa PREMIERSHIP RESULTS

Friday 3 January

Maritzburg United 2-1 Golden Arrows

Saturday 4 January

Polokwane City 2-0 Chippa United
Bloemfontein Celtic 1-1 Orlando Pirates
Stellenbosch 0-2 Bidvest Wits
SuperSport United 2-1 Kaizer Chiefs
AmaZulu 0-3 Mamelodi Sundowns

Sunday 5 January

Cape Town City 1-0 Baroka FC
Highlands Park 2-1 Black Leopards