Where did Mamelodi Sundowns go wrong in the Club World Cup? Grant Kekana adamant 'Masandawana weren't humiliated but Borussia Dortmund were the hardest'

Mamelodi Sundowns were among the 32 teams that got the opportunity to take part in the expanded FIFA Club World Cup ongoing in the United States.

The Premier Soccer League champions were joined by Al Ahly, Esperance, and Wydad Athletic Club as African representatives.

However, no team went past the group stage.

Al Ahly went home with two points, Wydad Casablanca lost all three games, while Esperance secured three points from their pool.

Masandawana collected four points from Group F after beating Ulsan HD by a solitary goal and drawing 0-0 with Fluminense. Their only loss came against Borussia Dortmund.

South Africa international Grant Kekana insists his team learnt a lot in the United States before pointing out where they went wrong.

“I think it was a good learning experience for us, it’s a tournament that showed us we are capable," the 32-year-old told the media.

"We have the talent to compete, which we surely did compete, I think with all the games played, we weren’t humiliated or dominated, we just ran out of time.
“I think in terms of quality, Dortmund was the hardest one, a lot of good movements off the ball, very good, and they are very clinical in front of goal.

"It’s a game of small margins, you know – the difference between us and being at the top is efficiency," Kekana concluded.

Kekana and his teammates proved they are a good team, not only in Mzansi and Africa, but can also deliver in the global scene.

The 2025/26 season will be vital for Masandawana, who are desperate to win the Caf Champions League title after coming close in the last three editions.