Orlando Pirates were beaten 2-0 by Mamelodi Sundowns in an entertaining Absa Premiership match that was played at Super Stadium, Atteridgeville in Pretoria on Wednesday night.

Sundowns was achieved courtesy of a goal in each half by defender Luvhengo Mungomeni and substitute midfielder Benedict Vilakazi against his former team.

This was Sundowns’ first win over Pirates since the first round of the 2007-08 season.

Suspension to former Pirates defender Innocent Mdledle forced Sundowns coach Hristo Stoitchkov to start James Mayinga at left for the first time since September and the former Moroka Swallows man accounted for himself very well by keeping Pirates’ dangerous winger Dikgang Mabalane quiet.

On the other hand, Krol was denied the services of the likes of Teko Modise, Dennis Masina, Benson Mhlongo and Lucas Thwala, who could have added more stability in this important and high profile match.

Sundowns got off to a dream start when Mungomeni managed to head home despite pressure from Pirates goalkeeper Moneeb Josephs as his defence failed to deal with a dipping free-kick from Elias Pelembe, who was named the man-of-the-match.

After conceding a free-kick just outside the penalty box, the Mozambican international delivered an inch aerial ball that landed on the head of young defender Siyanda Xulu who laid for Mungomeni to score.

Just after the hour mark, the Pirates defence was once again breached by a delightful one touch move by Sundowns Moments later, Pirates striker Thulasizwe Mbuyane had his shot fly just wide of Brian Baloyi’s upright as they continued to search for the equaliser.

In the 32nd minute, Pelembe disposed Mabalane in what looked like an obstruction that was not spotted by referee Charl Theron and unleashed a powerful shot from outside the box that ricocheted from the cross-bar.

Pirates missed out on a golden opportunity to draw level when Mabalane ballooned his shot from inside the box with only Baloyi to beat after being released by Mashego two minutes from the break.

Lebohang Mokoena was denied an opportunity to score against his former club by Josephs in the 52nd minute. Sundowns ensured the three points as Pelembe delivered a low pass to Vilakazi who beat Josephs as Pirates suffered their fourth defeat of the season.

After the game, Krol admitted to have been beaten by a better team whom they game too much room to play. Pirates next match is the Soweto Derby against Moroka Swallows at Orlando Stadium on Saturday.

Mamelodi Sundowns: (4-4-2) Baloyi; Mere, Mungomeni, Xulu, Mayinga; Pelembe, Nyandoro, Pattison, L Mokoena (Ngubane 88th); Khanyeza (Vilakazi 75th), Mphela (Phala 86th)

Orlando Pirates: (4-4-2) Josephs; Jele, Mahamutsa, Lekgwathi, Mthombeni; Mabalane (Mabena 81st), Jali, Kamwendo (Mdluli 59th), Mongalo (Manyisa 71st); Mashego, Mbuyane.