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Iqraam Rayners and Marcelo AllendeClub World Cup's X
Seth Willis

Iqraam Rayners-inspired Mamelodi Sundowns secure South Africa's first-ever win Fifa Club World Cup as PSL champions edge Ulsan HD to climb to top of Group F

Masandawana and the Tigers came into the game eyeing Group F's top spot after Borussia Dortmund and Fluminense shared spoils earlier.

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  • Sundowns played Ulsan HD in their Group F opener
  • Masandawana played some nice football
  • PSL champions claim a massive advantage
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  • TELL ME MORE

    Mamelodi Sundowns put up a brave fight to beat Ulsan HD by a solitary goal on Wednesday morning at Inter&Co Stadium in Orlando, Florida, to go top of Group F.

    South African champions were determined to get an early goal against their opponents. Lively Iqraam Rayners thought he had scored in the 27th minute from a well-taken corner by Lucas Ribeiro, but VAR denied him for handball.

    However, the striker wasn't to be denied in the 36th minute following a good pass by Ribeiro.

    The first half could have easily ended 3-0 in favour of Sundowns, but decisions went against them, coupled with poor finishing.

    There were many more chances after the break, but the PSL heavyweights just couldn't take them. Nevertheless, the win was the first one for a South African team in the Club World Cup history.

    Sundowns are now top of the group with three points, two more than Borussia Dortmund and Fluminense, who drew 0-0 earlier on.

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  • Miguel Cardoso, Teboho Mokoena, Mamelodi Sundowns, May 2025Backpage

    THE MVP

    Iqraam Rayners, Divine Lunga, and Lucas Ribeiro were outstanding in their respective roles.

    As usual, Khuliso Mudau did well at right back while Themba Zwane calmed things when Ulsan HD looked dangerous.

    However, it was Teboho Mokoena who bossed the midfield and ensured the ball was evenly distributed. He created several scoring chances as well that were not utilised.

  • FBL-WC-CLUB-2025-MATCH11-ULSAN-SUNDOWNSAFP

    THE BIG LOSER

    Ulsan HD striker Erick Farias had three massive chances to put the ball in the back of the net, but missed them.

    It was a massive opportunity for him to underline his quality and help the Tigers to stand a chance of making the next phase.

    He will have to be clinical against Fluminense.

  • WHAT COMES NEXT?

    A massive test for Masandawana will be on Saturday morning when they play Borussia Dortmund at TQL Stadium, Cincinnati.

    The Bundesliga outfit will not want to drop any more points since it might come back to haunt them, but for Sundowns, getting a positive result will be massive.

    Ulsan HD will be chasing points against Fluminense, who are tipped to advance.

  • MATCH RATING (OUT OF FIVE): ⭐⭐⭐⭐