Mamelodi Sundowns notched their first Absa Premiership victory in five matches, their 2-1 win against Platinum Stars at Royal Bafokeng Stadium, perhaps a crucial one in the race for second place.

Hlompo Kekana opened the scoring for Sundowns in the 17th minute, with Katlego Mashego adding a second from a free-kick in the 28th. Letladi Madubanya pulled one back for Stars a minute into first-half added time.

Stars played with 10 men from the 66th minute, when Solomon Mathe was sent off for a second bookable offence for fouling Bongani Zungu.

Downs' run of four matches without a win had killed off any chance of defending their PSL title. But yesterday's result means Sundowns are back in second, on 51 points.

Stars have looked re-energised and solid since the return of Cavin Johnson to replace Allan Freese as coach a month ago, going five games unbeaten, though only one of those was a victory.

The Rustenburg team always gave Sundowns problems, and did so again yesterday despite letting in two soft goals before the half-hour through defensive errors.

Dikwena captain Vuyo Mere gifted Downs the opener, when he attempted to run across his own box and was dispossessed by Kekana, the big midfielder finishing with characteristic power past Kabelo Dambe.

Khama Billiat's strong run then resulted in a free-kick to Downs inside the penalty arc. Mashego's sweetly struck delivery into the top left corner made it 2-0. But Madubanya ensured a tense finish with a headed goal

Elsewhere, Bloemfontein Celtic squandered a two-goal lead to lose 3-2 to Ajax Cape Town at the Kaizer Sebothelo Stadium. Franklin Cale scored a 92nd minute winner.