South African football giants Mamelodi Sundowns got their FIFA Club World Cup campaign off to a dream start with a hard-fought 1–0 win over Asian champions Ulsan Hyundai in a dramatic Group F clash held in Orlando, Florida. The match, marked by weather delays and VAR drama, saw Iqraam Rayners emerge as the hero for the DStv Premiership champions.
Rayners scored the decisive goal in the 36th minute, etching his name into the history books as the scorer of Sundowns’ first-ever goal in the prestigious global competition. The striker’s performance was electric throughout the night, though he was left frustrated after having two additional goals disallowed—one for a handball and another ruled out for a marginal offside following a VAR check.
The highly anticipated encounter, initially scheduled to kick off in the evening, was delayed by nearly an hour due to a lightning storm that forced both teams back into the dressing rooms during warm-ups. The inclement weather contributed to a subdued atmosphere in the stands, resulting in the lowest turnout of the tournament so far.
Despite the delay and dampened crowd, Sundowns showed composure and tactical discipline throughout the match. Head coach Rulani Mokwena praised his players’ focus and resilience in the post-match briefing.
“We had a job to do, and the weather interruption didn’t distract us from that mission,” Mokwena said. “I’m incredibly proud of the boys, especially Iqraam. He has been in fantastic form, and tonight he showed why we brought him into this squad. He deserved more than one goal, honestly.”
The goal came from a well-orchestrated move in the final third. A swift counterattack initiated by midfielder Teboho Mokoena saw the ball worked into space on the left flank. Rayners timed his run perfectly to receive a sharp cut-back inside the box, burying the ball past Ulsan’s goalkeeper Jo Hyeon-woo with a composed finish.
“I just focused on keeping my head down and getting good contact on the ball,” Rayners said after the match. “To score for my team on this stage, it’s a dream come true. We came here to make history, and this is just the beginning.”
Rayners appeared to have doubled his tally just before halftime, but the goal was chalked off for handball after the ball appeared to brush his arm during the build-up. In the second half, he once again found the net, but VAR intervened, ruling him marginally offside in what was a heartbreaking moment for the striker and Sundowns fans alike.
Ulsan Hyundai, who came into the match as one of the tournament’s dark horses, struggled to find rhythm against the well-drilled South African side. The Koreans managed a few half-chances, most notably through forward Joo Min-kyu, whose curling effort in the 78th minute was tipped over the bar by Sundowns goalkeeper Ronwen Williams.
Speaking after the game, Ulsan Hyundai manager Hong Myung-bo admitted his team was second best on the night but promised a stronger showing in their next outing.
“We didn’t impose ourselves on the game the way we wanted to. Credit to Sundowns—they were more aggressive and compact,” Hong said. “We will regroup and prepare for Fluminense. The tournament is far from over.”
With the victory, Mamelodi Sundowns now top Group F with three points and have put themselves in a strong position to advance to the knockout stages. Their next challenge is a blockbuster tie against German powerhouse Borussia Dortmund, a match that is already generating buzz across both continents.
Coach Mokwena remains grounded ahead of the showdown.
“It’s one game at a time. We respect Dortmund and everything they represent, but we are not here to just make up the numbers,” he said. “We’ve proven we belong on this stage, and the boys are hungry for more.”
The win is also a proud moment for South African football as a whole, showcasing the growing strength of the local game on a global platform. Fans and analysts alike have lauded Sundowns’ tactical maturity and technical flair, calling it a landmark performance for club football on the continent.
Football analyst Siphiwe Mabena, speaking on SuperSport, described the victory as “a turning point for South African club football.”
“This wasn’t just a win—it was a statement,” Mabena said. “Sundowns have shown that with structure, ambition, and proper planning, African clubs can stand toe-to-toe with the best.”
As the Club World Cup continues, Mamelodi Sundowns’ triumph over Ulsan Hyundai is likely to be remembered as one of the standout stories of the tournament’s group stages. The team’s unity, drive, and belief are beginning to echo across the global football scene.
Next up for the South African champions is Borussia Dortmund—a true test of their credentials and an opportunity to further cement their place among football’s elite. Meanwhile, Ulsan Hyundai must regroup quickly as they prepare to face Brazilian giants Fluminense, knowing that another slip could spell the end of their Club World Cup ambitions.
For now, though, all eyes are on Iqraam Rayners and the resilient Sundowns squad who dared to dream and made the perfect start on the world’s biggest club football stage.
