Mamelodi Sundowns made history on Tuesday with a thrilling 1-0 victory over South Korean side Ulsan Hyundai at the FIFA Club World Cup.
This landmark win, which came on June 17, 2025, saw the South African club not only secure their first-ever win in the prestigious competition but also become the first African team to claim a victory at the tournament.
The match was part of Group F, and with this win, Sundowns ascended to the top of the group, a significant achievement for the club and African football.
The match, originally set for a slightly earlier time, was delayed by just over an hour due to a weather warning. This disruption was just one of many challenges faced by both teams, with the game being played in front of a sparse crowd.
Official attendance was recorded at just 3,412 spectators, further highlighting the challenges the Club World Cup has faced in terms of filling stadiums. Despite this, the match was an engaging spectacle that provided moments of excitement and tension, particularly for Mamelodi Sundowns fans.
The game unfolded with high intensity right from the kick-off. Mamelodi Sundowns, nicknamed “The Brazilians” for their distinctive yellow shirts, showed early promise with some quick, creative play.
Under the guidance of Portuguese coach Miguel Cardoso, Sundowns looked to control the game through their possession-based style. However, it was Ulsan Hyundai who should have struck first.
In a crucial moment during the first half, Brazilian striker Erick Farias squandered a golden opportunity, firing a shot just over the crossbar from a dangerous position.
Mamelodi Sundowns would have thought they had taken the lead in the 30th minute when Iqraam Rayners bundled the ball into the net from a corner.
The celebrations, however, were short-lived, as the goal was ruled out for a handball after Rayners was deemed to have scored with his arm. But the South African forward was not deterred. In the 37th minute, Rayners made amends, this time converting a well-timed pass from Lucas Ribeiro to give Sundowns a 1-0 lead.
It was a moment of calm and composure from Rayners, who had already seen one goal disallowed earlier in the match.
The first half continued with Sundowns on the front foot, and they nearly extended their lead when Teboho Mokoena unleashed a dipping free-kick that required a world-class save from Ulsan goalkeeper Jo Hyeon-woo to keep the score at 1-0.
Despite Ulsan’s strong start, Sundowns’ defense remained resolute, with the South African team controlling much of the possession and creating more chances. Mamelodi’s ability to soak up pressure and counter effectively became a theme throughout the match.
In the second half, Ulsan Hyundai pushed forward in search of an equalizer. The South Korean team began to gain more possession, forcing Mamelodi Sundowns into a defensive posture.
Ulsan’s offensive efforts were led by their attacking trio, but they were repeatedly thwarted by Sundowns’ well-organized defense, led by the experienced defenders at the back. Ulsan’s frustrations grew as they failed to convert their chances, and they struggled to break down the disciplined South African defense.
Mamelodi Sundowns remained dangerous on the counter, with Tashreeq Matthews offering a spark of energy. Matthews had an opportunity to double Sundowns’ lead in the 70th minute when he broke away on a counter-attack, only to drill the ball over the bar from a promising position.
Nevertheless, the tension remained as Ulsan continued to search for a way back into the game. Sundowns’ defense held firm, and despite the South Koreans’ pressure, the goal remained elusive.
The final whistle confirmed Mamelodi Sundowns’ historic victory, and the team’s jubilation was palpable. The result was not only a statement of Sundowns’ growing stature in global football but also a significant achievement for African football, as they became the first team from the continent to win a match at the Club World Cup.
The victory was made all the sweeter by the fact that it was also their first-ever win in any version of the tournament. Their previous appearance in 2016 had ended in two losses, leaving them without a win in the competition until now.
Coach Miguel Cardoso expressed his satisfaction after the match, praising his players for their resilience and tactical discipline.
“I think the first half was very beautiful, a lot of control… we didn’t get the second goal and the pressure comes,” he said. “But I think my players made a wonderful job, we are very proud. It was the first victory of an African team in the tournament.”
Cardoso had made the decision to start Themba Zwane in the match after a long injury layoff, and the midfielder’s return to the starting lineup was another positive aspect of Sundowns’ performance.
With the win, Mamelodi Sundowns have not only taken an early lead in Group F but have also set a marker for the remaining teams in the competition.
This victory also marks the beginning of a new chapter for Mamelodi Sundowns on the global stage. As African football continues to gain recognition and respect on the international scene, this result is a reminder of the potential that African clubs have in competing with the best teams from around the world.
For Sundowns, the challenge now is to build on this success and continue to push for further glory in the Club World Cup.
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