First half strike seals historic opening World Club Cup win for Masandawana
Mamelodi Sundowns defeated South Korea's Ulsan HD, securing a 1–0 victory in their opening FIFA Club World Cup match on June 18 at the Inter & Co Stadium in Orlando, Florida, in the United States.
The match was delayed by an hour due to unfavourable weather conditions, but despite the wait, Bafana Ba Style's hopes of winning their first match of the tournament became a reality.
Masandawana got off to a great start, nearly opening the scoring through Arthur Sales, who struck a shot from a tight angle on the left flank, but the goalkeeper denied them an early opener.
The opposition were quick to retaliate, but the shot taken right in front of the goal sailed over the bar.
During the first half, the game was evenly balanced, with both teams trading chances without scoring.
Iqraam Rayners squeezed himself into the box, but his shot rolled over a few inches wide. Two minutes later, he found the back of the net from a free-kick, only for the goal to be ruled out.
No hat-trick, but Rayners still gets the job done for Mamelodi Sundowns 🫡 pic.twitter.com/o3lYP7HCXH
— 433 (@433) June 18, 2025
In the 36th minute, through a defence-splitting pass orchestrated by Lucas Ribeiro, Rayners found the ball and slotted it in, breaking the deadlock for his side.
Sundowns were awarded a free-kick outside the area, following a foul by the visitors. Known for his deadly set-pieces, Tebogo Mokoena nearly doubled the lead before half-time, firing a strong shot, but the Ulsan goalkeeper dived in the right direction to keep his team in the match.
In a tense moment before the break, Ronwen Williams came out to defend a ball that eventually went past him, but luckily, Divine Lunga was steadfast on the net to clear the danger away. The Brazilians went to the interval leading by a goal.
The second half saw Ulsan dominating the ball and taking plenty of chances to find a goal that would level matters, but the Downs backline remained steadfast and denied them a goal.
In the final 10 minutes, the match grew increasingly tense. Masandawana came close to scoring a second goal, but a lack of balance in front of the goal allowed Ulsan to clear.
Ahead of the match, coach Miguel Cardoso highlighted the importance of performing against a range of strong international teams.
'I'm looking forward to seeing how we perform against an Asian team, as well as Dortmund and Fluminense. These are three different tests, and we have to make the most of them all,' Cardoso said.
He emphasised the importance of self-belief and taking each game as it comes.
'Obviously, for us, it would be an incredible achievement to go through the group stage, but before we achieve that, we need to get points. So, we need to play a very complete match tomorrow.'
Mamelodi Sundowns supporter Godwin Nyathi was full of praise for the team's commitment.
'Personally, what stood out for me is how the team conducted themselves. They showed passion and hunger. They were very determined from the first minute until the last minute of the game, and that is what we always want to see as the fans of Mamelodi Sundowns,' he said.
Well done to our brothers!! 👏🎉
Let's keep making the Nation proud 🇿🇦👆#SundownsLadies #AfricaToTheWorld https://t.co/QvwPeanzsO
— Mamelodi Sundowns Ladies Team (@SundownsLadies) June 18, 2025
Nyathi said he believes Sundowns have what it takes to go further in the World Cup as they started off to a great start, and people should expect a couple of surprises.
Do you have more information about the story?
Please send us an email to bennittb@rekord.co.za or phone us on 083 625 4114.
For free breaking and community news, visit Rekord's websites: Rekord East
For more news and interesting articles, like Rekord on Facebook, follow us on Twitter or Instagram or TikTok.
At Caxton, we employ humans to generate daily fresh news, not AI intervention. Happy reading!
Stay in the know. Download the Caxton Local News Network App
Stay in the know. Download the Caxton Local News Network App here
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
IOL News
25 minutes ago
- IOL News
Iqraam Rayners, Serhou Guirassy crucial to Mamelodi Sundowns and Borussia Dortmund fortunes in Club World Cup clash
Iqraam Rayners scored for Mamelodi Sundowns against Ulsan HD. Photo: AFP Image: AFP After a stellar opening match in which Mamelodi Sundowns scored a landmark victory against South Korea's Ulsan Hyundai, going up against the Bundesliga giants Borussia Dortmund is a different beast entirely. In tonight's Fifa Club World Cup Group F match at the TQL Stadium in Cincinnati, Ohio (6pm SA time kick-off), Sundowns play Dortmund, who are strong contenders in this tournament. Yet their initial outing against Brazil's Fluminense left much to be desired. Held to a frustrating goalless draw, the Germans struggled to find their rhythm, prompting criticism since much more was expected from a team with such an attacking pedigree. Dortmund coach Niko Kovac acknowledged the team's lacklustre performance, suggesting that they were lucky to escape without a loss. Kovac will be pinning his victory hopes on the German club's star striker, Serhou Guirassy. The French-born forward, who dons the colours of the Guinea national team, has emerged as a pivotal figure in Dortmund's attacking line this season. Despite a frustrating outing against Fluminense, where he failed to convert multiple chances, Guirassy's presence on the pitch is nothing short of formidable. Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Advertisement Next Stay Close ✕ Ad Loading At 29, Guirassy is not only a towering figure, but a versatile striker known for his lethal finishing, aerial prowess, and remarkable physical strength. His ability to wreak havoc on opposition defences marks him as a critical target for Sundowns' defenders. With an impressive tally of 21 goals from 30 Bundesliga appearances in the 2024/25 season, his confidence and hunger to score after recent missed opportunities are palpable. Against Fluminense in their Group F opening match, Guirassy was a constant threat, showcasing his skill. However, his inability to find the net left the striker eager for redemption against Sundowns. 'I want to make amends and ensure my team gets the result we need,' he said, as he targets a stronger performance this time. Sundowns' Zimbabwean defender Divine Lunga will no doubt be charged with marking Guirassy. After his sterling performance against Ulsan, Lunga was the only African to be named in the Club World Cup Team of the Week. Dortmund will be aware of Iqraam Rayners, the Sundowns striker who marked his arrival on the global stage by clinching a goal and the Player of the Match award against Ulsan. The 29-year-old Rayners not only secured a 1-0 victory for his team, but also solidified his reputation as a key player to watch as the tournament progresses. Since joining the reigning PSL champions from Stellenbosch FC at the start of the season, he has been in remarkable form. With aspirations of securing a move to Europe, every match at the Club World Cup presents an opportunity for him to demonstrate his prowess to potential suitors. He closely contended for the Premiership Golden Boot, only narrowly losing out to his teammate, Lucas Ribeiro Costa, underscoring his goal-scoring ability. Rayners emphasised the importance of capitalising on every opportunity on the pitch in their next match today. 'Every game will be special for us. We are playing against big teams in this tournament,' he stated. 'I believe we will reach the second phase; we just need to take it one game at a time. Focus is key, and whatever happens in the next match happens, but I think we can go through.'
The Star
an hour ago
- The Star
As stinking-rich Mamelodi Sundowns become richer, implications for Kaizer Chiefs and Orlando Pirates profound
Herman Gibbs | Published 3 hours ago Straight Talk Column by Herman Gibbs Mamelodi Sundowns will receive an impressive R174 million just for participating in the 2025 Fifa Club World Cup, as well as R36 million for each victory during the group stage. This substantial financial injection will enable Sundowns to easily maintain and enhance their stronghold in the Premier Soccer League (PSL), ensuring their ongoing dominance in domestic football. However, this development is rather ominous for the PSL's two glamour teams, Kaizer Chiefs and Orlando Pirates. Both clubs boast a rich history and monumental fan-bases, often highlighted by the 'sold out' Soweto Derbies, where passion and rivalry ignite stadiums. Chiefs and Pirates have also enjoyed the thrill of several capacity crowds over the past two seasons. Until recently, Chiefs have not won a trophy in a decade, but they continue to attract lucrative sponsorships based on their pulling power, despite dwindling crowds. Yet, as Sundowns' dominance continues to grow, these storied franchises appear increasingly destined to remain in the shadows of their Chloorkop rivals. Sundowns' motto, 'The sky is the limit', reflects a commitment to transcend the traditional boundaries of sporting success. Their emblem – a hand poised with a finger pointing skyward – symbolises an aspiration that knows no limitations, whether rooted in historical performance or geographical challenges. The tragedy of the situation is that Chiefs and Pirates have shown no ambition to reclaim their lost glory, and will remain ensnared in the slipstream of Sundowns' relentless pursuit of excellence. There is no evidence that the 'Soweto Giants' will rise to challenge Masandawana or continue to watch from the shadows. While Sundowns have been in the United States, the club's chairman, Tlhopie Motsepe, outlined the Brazilians' ambitious plans to invest in local talent development and expand essential infrastructure. At the heart of this vision is the establishment of a world-class academy aimed at nurturing home-grown talent. Motsepe emphasised that the goal is to ensure the finest local players do not have to look overseas to join the ranks of prestigious European clubs. He spoke about an academy that stands toe-to-toe with Europe's elite institutions. He also highlighted the urgent need for robust infrastructure, notably the club's aspiration to build a stadium, noting the benefits of having a dedicated venue as a home ground. On the playing field, the Fifa Club World Cup will be a game-changer for the South African players wearing the famous Brazilian-inspired jerseys. They will face opponents with distinctive playing styles and strategies, propelling the team into uncharted territory. They will step onto the pitch against European powerhouse Borussia Dortmund and South American heavyweights Fluminense, and each match presents an invaluable opportunity for growth and development. Every match will serve as a test of skill and a rite of passage, transporting Sundowns from regional dominance to global contenders. With each opponent presenting a fresh challenge, the club has the chance to elevate its playing standards, an evolution that could define its legacy on the international stage. In their next two group matches, Sundowns will confront the blistering speed of Germany's Dortmund and the intricate ball control epitomised by Brazil's Fluminense.
IOL News
3 hours ago
- IOL News
Can the Yellow Nation sink the Yellow Submarine?
Tashreeq Matthews (centre, No 17) could provide Mamelodi Sundowns with inside information on his former club Borussia Dortmund. Photo: PHANDO JIKELO Image: PHANDO JIKELO THIS is it. This is the match that was always going to define Mamelodi Sundowns' Fifa Club World Cup. The clash against one of Europe's top clubs – Borussia Dortmund – stood out as the biggest test for the South African champions from the moment the draw for the global club championship was made. The general notion was that the Bundesliga club have to be the favourites to top Group F, while Sundowns would, at best, be third behind Fluminense, with Ulsan HD pencilled in as the potential worst team. Football is, however, very fickle at the top, and ahead of this evening's clash (6pm SA time kick-off) between the Yellow Nation of Tshwane and the Yellow Submarine of Germany, the standings are nothing like what the punters had forecasted. Sundowns are top of the group with maximum points following their 1-0 defeat of the South Korean team they should actually have smashed by much more. Iqraam Rayners scored the winner on a night when Lucas Ribeiro Costa was in scintillating form delivering some sublime passes to find the Capetonian striker, who actually put the ball into the opposition net on three occasions. It was a real pity that on two of those, he'd handled the ball before scoring and then strayed offside prior to receiving the ball from his Brazilian teammate. It was the kind of performance, though, that would have imbued Sundowns with confidence as they go into the clash with a Dortmund likely to not be as cock-a-hoop as they'd have been at the start of the tournament. Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Advertisement Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Next Stay Close ✕ Held goalless by Fluminense in their opener, the Germans are going to be hard-pressed to win tonight if they are to be sure of progressing to the knockout phase... and often that can be a recipe for panic. Granted, it is generally accepted that a clash between a European and an African side should go the way of the former. And after Manchester City beat Wydad Casablanca this week, that notion would have been strengthened. But there's nothing to say Sundowns cannot pull the rug from underneath the feet of their revered opponents, not when Ronwen Williams and his teammates are so hyped up following that win over Ulsan. It is a massive test for the multiple South African champions, who will know that the rest of the world has their eyes on them after they were the only one of the four African teams to win their opening match. And with Al Ahly losing their second match, Sundowns essentially carry the baton for Africa – the continent is banking on them to progress out of the round robin phase. Surely that must be motivation enough for them to give their best against Dortmund. Besides, there is also the opportunity for them to market themselves to the world, this match likely to attract a much bigger audience – not only in the stadium – but on television, simply because of the stature of their opponents. Whereas prior to the start of the competition they were probably seen as just another African team by their opponents, Sundowns are now surely a serious opposition to Dortmund, and this much, the German club's coach has confirmed. 'As I said at the beginning of the press conference, I think my team and Fluminense are favourites. But in football, you must first play the games and show that you are favourites,' said Niko Kovac. 'We have some impressions and we know that Sundowns played in the (CAF) Champions League final a few weeks ago. 'So, they are a tough opponent as you saw in the other games. You must work very hard against African teams. 'They are strong and powerful. So, for that, we need to refresh our minds, and to be fully prepared because the next games are very important for us.' The good thing for Sundowns is that they have, in Tashreeq Matthews, a player with a little bit of knowledge of their opponents – the young attacker having previously turned out for the Germans. He was not particularly effective against Ulsan, though, and it remains to be seen how coach Miguel Cardoso uses him for this one. It is a big match, not only for Sundowns, but for African football, as it presents the continent with an opportunity to show just how we rank against the Europeans, who are generally accepted to be at the top of the game in the world. Wouldn't it be grand if the Yellow Nation were to be victorious over the Yellow Submarine?
