South African Football Club, Mamelodi Sundowns marked their debut in the Club World Cup with a 1-0 win over Ulsan HD.
A first-half strike from Iqraam Rayners handed Mamelodi Sundowns a 1-0 win over Ulsan HD on Tuesday night, marking a dream start to their debut FIFA Club World Cup campaign and the first victory for Africa at the ongoing tournament in the United States.
A severe electrical storm delayed kick-off at Orlando’s Inter & Co Stadium by over an hour, but the South African champions showed no signs of rust when the action finally began.
Sundowns dominated the opening half and were duly rewarded in the 36th minute. Lucas Ribeiro unlocked Ulsan’s defence with a clever reverse pass, and Rayners applied a classy outside-of-the-boot finish past goalkeeper Jo Su-hyeok.
It was third-time lucky for Rayners, who had two earlier efforts disallowed—one for handball and another for offside, both following VAR checks. His persistence symbolized a confident Sundowns side that controlled proceedings before the break.
Ulsan threatened briefly through winger Erick, who sent a volley inches over, and forced a dramatic goal-line clearance from Divine Lunga to keep the Brazilians ahead.
The second half saw the South Korean champions increase the tempo, but Sundowns remained composed. Keanu Cupido dominated aerial duels at the back, and goalkeeper Ronwen Williams stood firm, limiting Ulsan’s threat to hopeful deliveries into the box.
Ribeiro nearly added a second for Masandawana with a curling shot that flew just over, while substitute Tashreeq Matthews brought fresh energy to help close out the match.
Earlier, Group F had kicked off with a goalless draw between Fluminense and Borussia Dortmund, meaning Sundowns now sit atop the group after matchday one—well-positioned to progress to the knockout stage.
For head coach Miguel Cardoso, it was a near-perfect evening: a clean sheet, a fit captain in Themba Zwane, and three precious points—despite the wild Florida weather.
