Mamelodi Sundowns kicked off their Club World Cup campaign in dramatic fashion, with a 1-0 win over South Korea’s Ulsan HD on Tuesday.
The match, delayed due to a weather warning, may not have drawn a full house—but for the South African side, it was a night to remember.
With a tidy $2 million (around R35.8 million) added to their coffers, the win also marked a historic moment: the first-ever victory by an African team in this revamped FIFA tournament.
Empty Seats, But Not a Dull Game
With only 3,412 spectators in attendance, the stadium atmosphere may have been muted, but those who turned up were treated to a lively, back-and-forth battle.
Despite the low attendance and late start, both teams showed up ready to fight.
Earlier in the day, Borussia Dortmund and Fluminense had played out a 0-0 draw, setting the stage for Sundowns to grab the top spot in Group F.
Rayners Finds the Net After Early Frustration
The breakthrough came in the first half, thanks to a cool finish from Iqraam Rayners after a slick setup by Lucas Ribeiro.
Rayners had already seen one effort ruled out for handball and later had a second goal disallowed for offside—but his persistence paid off.
He made no mistake when given a clean look at goal, giving Sundowns the lead they would hold on to for the rest of the match.
Miguel Cardoso Praises His Squad
Head coach Miguel Cardoso was full of praise for his players after the final whistle.
“I think the first half was very beautiful, a lot of control,” he said.
“We didn’t get the second goal and the pressure comes, but I think my players did a wonderful job.
We are very proud—this was the first victory by an African team in the tournament.”
Cardoso also handed a return start to veteran midfielder Themba Zwane, who had been sidelined since September due to injury.
Ulsan Threatens, But Sundowns Hold Firm
Ulsan had their moments. Brazilian striker Erick Farias came close early on with a shot that skimmed just over the crossbar.
In the second half, the South Koreans pushed hard for an equalizer, forcing Sundowns to retreat and defend deep.
Goalkeeper Jo Hyeon-woo also made a crucial save from a Teboho Mokoena free-kick that could’ve sealed the game much earlier.
On the break, Tashreeq Matthews had a golden chance to double the lead but fired over the bar.
In the end, Sundowns did enough to hold on and claim a vital three points.
A Long-Awaited Win on the Global Stage
This win was especially meaningful for Sundowns.
It’s not only their first in the expanded Club World Cup, but also their first ever in any version of the tournament—having lost both of their matches back in their 2016 debut.
The “Brazilians,” as they’re affectionately known for their yellow kits, now lead Group F and will look to build on this momentum.
What’s Next for Mamelodi Sundowns?
There’s still work to be done. Sundowns face a tough test against Germany’s Borussia Dortmund on Saturday, 21 June at 18:00, followed by a clash with Brazil’s Fluminense on Wednesday, 25 June at 21:00.
But after their confident start, fans can dream a little bigger.
