The stadium may have been sparse and the kickoff delayed by a weather warning, but Mamelodi Sundowns made sure their 2025 Club World Cup opener was anything but quiet!

In the thrilling opener against South Korean side Ulsan HD on Tuesday, the Brazilians secured a monumental 1-0 victory, marking a significant milestone for African football, Footballrover reports.

Sundowns’ historic Club World Cup breakthrough

This exciting victory not only placed Sundowns at the top of Group F but also saw them register their name in history.

Portuguese coach Miguel Cardoso’s squad, renowned for their eight consecutive South African league titles, showed off their signature flair despite a challenging start.

Iqraam Rayners became the hero, delivering the decisive first-half goal that secured this historic win.

Even after a disallowed goal, Rayners remained determined, finally finding the net after a superb setup from Lucas Ribeiro.

This win marks Mamelodi Sundowns’ first victory in any iteration of the Club World tournament, a stark contrast to their previous 2016 appearance, where they suffered two defeats.

The second half saw Ulsan push back, but Sundowns’ defence held firm, ensuring their advantage.

Tashreeq Matthews had a chance to double the lead on the counter, but the single goal was enough.

This hard-fought victory means Mamelodi Sundowns are the first African side to win a game at the expanded FIFA tournament.

Brazilians’ bold Club World Cup statement

With their bright yellow shirts reflecting their nickname, “The Brazilians“, Sundowns displayed moments of brilliant play, especially in the opening stages.

Coach Cardoso expressed satisfaction with the team’s control, even while acknowledging the second-half pressure.

The return of Themba Zwane to the starting lineup after injury also provided a boost, as Sundowns navigated the match with composure and ultimately celebrated a well-deserved, history-making win at the competition.

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Last Updated on June 18, 2025 8:37 am by Sir Kris