Defending Absa Premiership champions Mamelodi Sundowns' title hopes slipped further away on Monday evening after being outclassed by Cape Town City 3-2 at Loftus Versfeld Stadium.

Pitso Mosimane's Sundowns side have now gone three games without a win since the resumption of the 2019/2020 PSL campaign.

City seemed to catch their opponents off guard with their fast start to the game and soon took the lead in the 13th minute. Surprise Ralani beat the defence to slot home past Denis Onyango at the second attempt after an initial save.

The Citizens doubled their lead just before the break in the 44th minute as striker Kermit Erasmus lobbed on onrushing Onyango.

Sundowns managed to pull a goal back as defender Edmilson Dove put the ball into the back of his own net from a corner-kick.

The 2-1 scoreline at half-time seemed to flatter Sundowns with City in complete control of the game and seemingly intent on exposing the inexperience of young Sundowns right-back Nicholus Lukhubeni.

Ralani was again on the score-sheet and restored his side's two-goal advantage in the 54th minute after latching onto a defensive error by centre-back Wayne Arendse to neatly chip Onyango.

A tired-looking Sundowns side managed to grab a consolation goal through substitute Matlala Makgalwa in stoppage time.

Sundowns now trail log leaders Kaizer Chiefs by six points and with an inferior goal difference.