Mamelodi Sundowns has made a bold and historic statement at the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup with a hard-fought 1-0 victory over South Korean outfit Ulsan HD on Tuesday night in Orlando, Florida.
The tightly contested Group F encounter, held at the Inter&Co Stadium, was delayed by over an hour due to a severe weather warning but delivered high-stakes drama and tactical intrigue once play commenced.
The win not only sent the South African champions to the top of their group, but it also marked the first-ever victory by an African club in the new expanded format of the FIFA Club World Cup, which now features 32 teams in a World Cup-style group stage.
Despite a modest turnout of just 3,412 spectators, the match offered plenty for the neutral fan, with both teams playing with ambition and attacking intent.
For Sundowns, it was a landmark night. The club, nicknamed “The Brazilians” due to their yellow kits reminiscent of the Brazilian national team, registered their first win in any edition of the Club World Cup, having lost both of their matches in their only previous appearance in 2016.
A Night For Rayners
The decisive moment came in the 38th minute when Iqraam Rayners, who had already seen a goal ruled out for handball earlier, latched onto a clever assist from Lucas Ribeiro and slotted the ball past Ulsan goalkeeper Jo Hyeon-woo.
The South African international was a constant menace throughout the first half, even finding the net again before the break, only for VAR to chalk it off for offside.
Rayners’ performance was emblematic of a confident and organized Mamelodi side that showed poise and purpose, particularly in the opening 45 minutes.
“I think the first half was very beautiful, a lot of control. We didn’t get the second goal and then the pressure comes, but I think my players made a wonderful job. We are very proud. It’s the first victory of an African team in the tournament.”
Miguel Cardoso. Head Coach of Mamelodi Sundowns
Sundowns, winners of the South African Premier Soccer League (PSL) for a record eight consecutive seasons, arrived at the tournament keen to prove a point after narrowly missing out on continental glory earlier this month, finishing as runners-up in the CAF Champions League.
Their Portuguese tactician, Miguel Cardoso, who took over earlier this year, has instilled a disciplined yet expressive style of play.
His decision to reintroduce veteran midfielder Themba Zwane to the starting lineup after a lengthy injury layoff paid off handsomely. Zwane brought calmness and creativity to the midfield, linking up well with the forward line and anchoring transitions.
Although Ulsan HD had their chances, they were largely restricted to speculative efforts. Brazilian striker Erick Farias came closest for the K League side in the first half, firing narrowly over the bar after a defensive lapse.
In the second half, Ulsan grew into the game, enjoying more possession and pushing Sundowns back into their half. However, the South African defence, marshalled by Mothobi Mvala and Grant Kekana, stood firm under increasing pressure.
Teboho Mokoena’s Impact
The closest Sundowns came to doubling their lead was through Teboho Mokoena, whose dipping free-kick forced Jo Hyeon-woo into an acrobatic save. Substitute Tashreeq Matthews also had a golden opportunity on the counter late on but blazed over.
Despite not adding to their lead, Sundowns were able to close out the game with maturity and tactical discipline.
The win sets up an exciting run of fixtures for the Pretoria-based side, who will next face Borussia Dortmund of Germany and Fluminense of Brazil — two of the most storied clubs in world football. Coach Cardoso, while delighted with the three points, warned that tougher tests await.
“We celebrate this moment, but we know the size of the challenge in front of us. Dortmund and Fluminense bring a different level of quality. We will need to be even better.”
Miguel Cardoso. Head Coach of Mamelodi Sundowns
Beyond the immediate significance of the result, the victory is a landmark for African club football. Sundowns next face Fluminense in what promises to be a thrilling clash of styles.
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