Mamelodi Sundowns reclaimed top spot in the Absa Premiership with a 2-1 win over Tshwane rivals, University of Pretoria, at the Lucas Moripe Stadium in Atteridgeville on Saturday.

Khama Billiat scored his third goal in four matches before Leonardo Castro doubled the the Brazilians lead with 18 minutes remaining. Thabo Mnyamane scored a superb solo effort, but 'Downs held on to secure their ninth win of the season.

The Brazilians dominated from the onset with a double save from Washington Arubi denying Themba Zwane and Castro who saw his turn and shot well saved by the Zimbabwean stopper on six minutes.

Arubi has been back to his best this Year and did well to deny Castro once again in the 17th minute - this time saving at the Colombians feet as the hosts continued to press for the opener.

At the other end of the pitch a moment of madness almost gifted Mnyamane a goal. Denis Onyango's attempt to dribble out of his six-yard area invited danger, but the Ugandan just about did enough to side-step what would have been an embarrassing blooper.

Sundowns finally found the back of the net on 23 minutes, Billiat directing his first time shot from a Tebogo Langerman cross past Arubi who couldn't get down quick enough to deny his fellow countryman.

With the 'Downs fans voicing their support for Pitso Mosimane, the hosts continued to dominate and were it not for a last ditch clearance by Bongani Nyathi Billiat would've completed his brace before the break.

Castro should've doubled 'Downs lead on the hour, but the striker failed to convert having been played straight through on goal by Zwane.

He wouldn't rue the missed opportunity for too long and after a lung-busting run by Langerman, the lanky attacker prodded in from close range on 72 minutes.

Mnyamane made sure for an exciting end to the game with a stunning 80th minute goal. The former Varsity Cup striker picked up the ball on the edge of the area, turning Wayne Arendse inside out before firing past Onyango from an acute angle with his weaker right-foot.

AmaTuks finished the game on the front foot, but couldn't find the equaliser as they slumped to their second successive defeat.

Mamelodi Sundowns (1) 2 (Billiat 23' Castro 72')
University of Pretoria (0) 1 (Mnyamane 80')

Sundowns: Onyango; Langerman, Arendse, Nthethe, Mbekile, Kekana, Zungu, T.Zwane (S.Zwane 90+2'), Dolly (Laffor 74'), Billiat, Castro (Modise 74')

Tuks: Arubi; Jaure, Monyai, Mwedihanga, Ngubane (Mosadi 81'), Maruping, Kejijere, Nyathi (Mathosi 54'), Zwane, Mnyamane, Nyondo (Ntombayithethi 81')