Home team Mamelodi Sundowns got off to a good start last night with a 1-0 win against Ulsan HD. Striker Iqraam Rayners’ 36th-minute goal secured Sundowns at the top of Group F in FIFA’s revamped Club World Cup.
This game marked the first victory for an African team at the expanded 32-team tournament in the United States, following a draw for Egypt’s Al Ahly in their opener, while Esperance of Tunisia lost to Flamengo on Monday.
With Sundowns set to play against Borussia Dortmund this Saturday, the momentum is building for their next challenge.
explain spoke to sports radio broadcaster and editor Kamogelo ‘KamzaDeSport’ Mogale, from Voice of Wits 88.1, who has previously covered Bafana Bafana, Banyana Banyana matches and Betway premierships, since 2022. He shared his thoughts on the game and what the win means for Sundowns and African football.
What is your analysis of Sundowns’ impressive victory over Ulsan HD?
My analysis of the match is that Mamelodi Sundowns played impressive football. They started to dance, they played their style of football, which is shoeshine and piano, which is their identity and what worked for them on the day.
When you look at the opportunities that they had, Iqraam Rayners had three opportunities, of which two of those goals were denied by the Video Assistant Referee, but eventually the goal that won the match stood.
Themba Zwane made the team tick; with him on the field, everybody just came to the party, and they played to his tune. This win speaks volumes about Sundowns’ quality and unity as a squad. Congratulations to the team for a well-earned victory. This win will go a long way for them in this tournament.
What are your thoughts and predictions for Sundowns’ upcoming match against Borussia Dortmund on Saturday?
The game against Borussia Dortmund will be a tough challenge for Mamelodi Sundowns. Dortmund, a German team, has a highly technical approach to their game, and Sundowns must be wary of their technical ability. However, Sundowns should never sell themselves short. Despite Dortmund being a big team in Germany’s Bundesliga, this is an opportunity for Sundowns to test themselves against one of the best.
While Ulsan HD was a strong opponent, I believe the match against Borussia Dortmund will truly challenge Sundowns. Dortmund is a youthful team with dynamic young players, making their play unpredictable on any given day.
For instance, there’s Jobe Bellingham, the brother of Jude Bellingham, who, as you know, previously played for Borussia Dortmund before moving to Real Madrid. The kind of players Dortmund has speaks volumes about the calibre of the team and the club as a whole. Sundowns must stay true to their style of play and not shy away from the challenge.
This game will test them, but there’s less pressure on Sundowns because of their opening win against Ulsan HD. Dortmund, on the other hand, drew 0-0 with Fluminense, so the pressure is on them to secure a result. For Sundowns, pushing for at least a draw would be solid, but a win would be the cherry on top.
What are fans saying about this match?
Fans are buzzing with excitement after Mamelodi Sundowns’ victory over Ulsan, and they’re closely following the team’s journey in the FIFA Club World Cup. I believe about 50 to 60 supporters were present at the match against Ulsan HD in Orlando, Florida, but expectations are high for the upcoming game against Borussia Dortmund.
Back home in South Africa, fans will be glued to their screens, watching the match closely. As I’ve mentioned, this game against Borussia Dortmund is a chance for Sundowns to test themselves against one of the best teams in their group. It’s a massive opportunity for the players to shine on a global stage, leaving lasting impressions that could catch the eye of international scouts. You never know, after this FIFA Club World Cup, a top club might come knocking to sign one of Sundowns’ standout players.
What was at stake in this match for Ulsan HD and Mamelodi Sundowns beyond just a semi-final spot?
The match between Ulsan HD and Mamelodi Sundowns was their opening game in the FIFA Club World Cup group stage, and while it wasn’t directly about a semi-final spot, it carried significant weight. A strong result in this first match was crucial for both teams to set a positive tone for the rest of their group stage. A win, like the 1-0 victory Sundowns achieved, boosted their confidence and momentum heading into their next match against Borussia Dortmund on Saturday. For both Ulsan HD and Sundowns, a positive result helped build a foundation for advancing to the knockout stages. Beyond the points, the game was about establishing a winning mindset and gaining an edge in a highly competitive group, paving the way for further success in the tournament.
The FIFA Club World Cup has often sidelined African and Asian clubs in favour of European and South American giants. How are teams like Sundowns disrupting that script, or being boxed out of it?
In the previous format, the FIFA Club World Cup only allowed one participant from Africa, which applies to Asia. But with the rise of football, especially among national teams, we’re seeing more recognition for club football from these continents. The success of national teams is a reflection of strong domestic leagues.
South Africa’s Bafana Bafana performed well at the previous AFCON, which raised awareness about the quality of African football. Similarly, South Korea’s performance at the last FIFA World Cup prompted FIFA to open a broader scale to the current format. I believe the current format, which includes 32 teams, results from how national teams are performing on an international stage.
What does a win mean for Sundowns and African football in a competition where CAF teams still fight for equal recognition and investment?
A win for Mamelodi Sundowns has certainly raised eyebrows. It has forced other teams, especially those in their group, to take notice of their quality. This victory is a vital platform for Sundowns’ players to showcase their talent. With 32 of the world’s top clubs competing in the FIFA Club World Cup, scouts from Europe, South America, and Asia are watching closely. This is a marketing opportunity not only for Sundowns but also for players from all four African teams. A strong performance could lead to offers from international clubs, boosting the players’ profiles. Additionally, a good showing increases the players’ market value, making it easier for Sundowns to secure higher transfer fees, which is crucial for the club’s sustainability.
Mamelodi Sundowns’ 1-0 victory over Ulsan HD at the FIFA Club World Cup marks a historic moment for both the club and African football. Iqraam Rayners’ winning goal, backed by Ronwen Williams’ standout performance in goal, not only secured a crucial result but also sent a clear message: Sundowns are serious contenders. As the first African team to win a match in the expanded 32-team tournament, the triumph highlights the rising power of CAF clubs and sets a confident tone ahead of Sundowns’ next fixture against Borussia Dortmund on Saturday. Beyond the result, this win shines a spotlight on African talent and leagues, offering players a global stage to challenge perceptions and prove their worth.
Lona is a recent graduate with an Honours degree in Journalism and Media Studies from Wits University. Passionate about storytelling, she is eager to learn, grow, and hone her writing skills.
