This win sees the Citizens move up to 7th in the standings, while Downs remains six points adrift the leaders, Kaizer Chiefs.

Bradley Ralani opened the scoring for the team from the Mother City in the 11th minute, before the Kermit Erasmus doubled the lead in the 44th.

On the stroke of half time, the City defender, Edmilson Dove, scored an own goal to get Sundowns on the board.

In the 54th minute, Ralani, completed his brace to make the score 3-1 for the “home team”.

Just before the final whistle the replacement, Keletso Makgalwa, scored after being on the part for just three minutes give Sundowns an outside chances, however, it was too little, too late.

Following the game, Citizens coach, Jan Olde Riekerink said that they are a team not to be underestimated.

“People must not underestimate us, we didn't play for four months, this is our second game in four days.

“In the end, the mind was stronger than the body.

“I told them in the last four days that these games now, we will be tired, we will physically go to the bottom and the players that will feel most fatigued they will lose the games.

“Now we've shown today that they did such a fantastic job, especially mentally in the last phase and I'm very happy and proud of my team.”

Meanwhile, there are three more matches that will be contested on Tuesday.

Over at the Orlando Stadium, Lehlohonolo Seema, with target his first win as Chippa United coach when they face Highlands Park at 15:30.

At the same time, just down the round at the FNB Stadium, Wits will be at home to Steve Khompela's Golden Arrows.

In the final match of the day, Orlando Pirates will also target a first win since the resumption when they host Baroka FC, with this match at Ellis Park kicking off at 18:00.

@MorganPiek OFM Sport