Johannesburg - SuperSport United won 1-0 at lowly Chippa United on Sunday to join the pack hunting South African Premiership leaders Mamelodi Sundowns.

Mxolisi Macuphu scored the lone goal midway through the opening half, poking an Aubrey Modiba cutback over the goalline after a free-kick manoeuvre caught the home side napping.

Defending champions Sundowns have 40 points, Orlando Pirates 39, Bidvest Wits 38, Cape Town City 36 and SuperSport 35 with eight rounds remaining.

"We could have been two or three goals ahead by half-time with better decision making," said SuperSport coach and former Zimbabwe defender Kaitano Tembo.

It was the first loss in five league matches for Clinton Larsen since he became the fourth coach this season of perennial strugglers Chippa. 

Labelled a "route-one coach" this week by a player he once worked with, Larsen said he warned his team not to fall behind against vastly experienced SuperSport.

"United are very difficult to break down once they get in front and we did not use the width of the pitch enough when attacking."

Chippa are above the relegation zone only on goal difference and 13th-place Baroka also remained in danger after crashing to a 3-1 loss at home to Polokwane City.

Ghanaian Mohammed Anas, who once went viral after thanking his wife and girlfriend in a post-match interview, bagged a brace for City and Zambian Salulani Phiri also scored.

Collins Makgaka netted for Baroka, who had Bonginkosi Makume red-carded 10 minutes into the second half.