WHILE Callies slumped to a 1-0 defeat at the hands of Island City, Lion City emerged as hot favourites to win the Safa-NMB SAB League championship after thrashing Hotspurs 6-1.
Following their goalless draw against Hotspurs last week, log-leaders Callies have dropped five points in two matches and cling onto their position on goal difference.
On Saturday, Island played far better than their 11th position suggests and had the Londt Park outfit at full stretch.
Keldriana Goliath scored the only goal of the match late in the second half.
After their draw against Callies last week, Hotspurs looked set to cause another upset at the NU2 Stadium in Motherwell when they took the lead against Lion City.
But free-kick specialist Akhona Manqola levelled the score before the break.
In the second half Hotspurs fell apart as Lion City went on the rampage.
Malibongwe Maseti opened the floodgates when he put his side ahead for the first time. Maqnqola netted his second goal from a free kick from outside the penalty area (3-1).
Anathi Katangana put his name on the scoresheet to make it 4-1. After Thulani Shumpa made it 5-1, and Lion's young player of the year Sinethemba Mswelanto completed the rout.
In the last three matches Lion have scored 14 goals with just two against and trail Callies by a single point. They have a far superior goal difference. The sides play each other in the second round next month.
Despite the thrashing by Lion, Hotspurs remain in fourth spot. With a 20-point leeway to make up, Hotspurs have no chance of challenging the three contenders for the league title.
A goal on either side of the break by Alani Kaliman and Fundile Ngesi saw Peace United beat Royal Bucks 2-0.
Results: Peace United 2 Royal Bucks 0, Fairview Rovers 3 Motherwell Academy 0, Camper United 1 Despatch Pioneers 1, Callies 0 Island City 1, Showvillage 1 Highland Spurs 2, Lion City 6 Hotspurs 1, Central Acemates v Tomorrow Stars (dnp) - Mogan Segadavan