Kaizer Chiefs are in second place

Leaders Santos suffered a second defeat within a week, beaten 2-1 by Mamelodi Sundowns in their Premier League match at Mabopane, on the outskirts of Pretoria, on Sunday.

Ivory Coast import Siaka Tiene returned from suspension to score the opening goal for Sundowns but was eventually sent off for a rash tackle.

The home side added a second through Zambian international Rotson Kilambe while Santos pulled one back through Mauritian midfielder Sebastien Bax.

Santos still lead Kaizer Chiefs and Ajax Cape Town by three points but have played seven more matches than Chiefs and five more than neighbours Ajax.

Ajax and Chiefs did not play at the weekend but meet in a potential championship decider in Cape Town on Wednesday.

Hassan continues his good run of form

Hossam Hassan scored the winning goal for the second successive week to keep Zamalek comfortably on top after a 1-0 win at Ghazl Al Mehalla on Saturday.

The 37-year-old striker only returned to the Zamalek side earlier this month after a long stand-off with coach Nelo Vingada.

Zamalek still lead by nine points from ENPPI, who were 1-0 winners over Aswan on Friday with a goal from Hani Abdullah.

Al Ahly's revival under Portuguese coach Manuel Jose continued with their 2-1 win over Ismaili on Thursday, keeping them third in the standings and 10 points behind the leaders.

Achiou was at the Cup of Nations finals in Tunisia

Two goals from Hocine Achiou, a hero for Algeria at the 2004 Cup of Nations finals, helped champions USM Alger cut the gap at the top of the first division to two points.

Achiou's goals, plus one more from former international midfielder Billel Dziri, saw USMA beat ASO Chlef 3-1 on Friday.

USMA, who are seeking a third successive championship, now trail leaders JS Kabylie by three points but have two games in hand, after JSK were held to a goalless draw at CA Bordj Bou Arreridj.

Fares Fellahi scored a last minute winner for Entente Setif, who go into third place after a 1-0 away win at strugglers RC Kouba, also on Friday.

Champions Cotonsport won their second game of the season to go top of pool A in the first division, following a 2-0 win over Sable Batie on Sunday.

Jean Marie Tchango scored early to give the Garoua-based side the lead and Bitrus Minusu's 70th minute goal secured the full points.

It was the only game in the pool at the weekend but there are several matches scheduled for Wednesday.

Cameroon's league has been divided into two pools of nine teams this season.

Racing Bafoussam kept up their 100 percent record to top the standings in pool B, with a 2-0 home win over Esperance Guider on Sunday.

Enyimba are struggling to find championship form

Gabros International went to the top of the standings in the Premier League with a 1-0 win over Iwuanyanwu Nationale on Sunday.

The win put them a point clear of Shooting Stars, who were 3-0 winners on Saturday at home to Nigeria Ports Authority.

Rangers International of Enugu kept up their unbeaten run but a third draw, this time a 1-1 tie with Dolphin FC of Port Harcourt, puts them in third place, four points behind the leaders.

African and Nigerian champions Enyimba were also held at home, drawing 1-1 with Wikki Tourists in Aba.

Enyimba have eight points from their first five matches.

Leaders Asec Abidjan and arch rivals Africa Sports did not play at the weekend, because players from both clubs were called up to compete for the country's under-23 side, who beat Mali 2-1 in an Olympic Games qualifier in Abidjan on Saturday.

But Satellite FC made use of the opportunity to go one point clear at the top of the standings, beating Sewe Sport 2-1 away from home in San Pedro on Sunday.

Stade Abidjan also secured a 1-0 win over Man FC.

Amazulu suffered their first-ever defeat to Shabanie

Champions AmaZulu's indifferent start to the season continued with a 4-1 defeat at Shabanie Mines in Zvishavane on Sunday.

The Bulawayo club, who started the new campaign with a draw, were two goals down after just 10 minutes and went on to suffer their first-ever defeat against Shabanie.

Caps United won 2-1 at Njube Sundowns in Bulawayo but the match was overshadowed by the death of three of their players - Blessing Makunike, Shingirai Alron and Garry Mashoko - in a car crash as they returned to the capital Harare on Sunday.