On a night rocked by lightning and late kick-offs, Mamelodi Sundowns found their spark through Iqraam Rayners, sealing a landmark 1-0 win over Ulsan HD in their opening FIFA Club World Cup clash in Orlando.
The storm delay at Inter & Co Stadium may have dampened the pitch, but not the resolve of Miguel Cardoso’s men. Once play resumed, the South African champions quickly took control. Their crisp passing and early pressing hinted that this debut was no mere sightseeing tour.
Rayners had already seen two efforts ruled out, one for handball, another for offside, but remained undeterred. His breakthrough came in the 36th minute, courtesy of a smart reverse ball from Lucas Ribeiro. With the outside of his boot, Rayners bent the finish past Jo Su-hyeok to send the small but vocal Sundowns contingent into celebration.
It was a reward not only for persistence but also for dominance. Ulsan’s clearest first-half chance came from Erick Farias, who volleyed just over before a desperate goal-line clearance by Divine Lunga saved Sundowns from conceding. But the Brazilian flair of “The Brazilians,” as the Sundowns are known, kept them in charge.
Cardoso praised the control his side exhibited in the opening 45 minutes. “We didn’t get the second goal and the pressure comes,” he admitted, “but I think my players made a wonderful job, the first victory of an African team in the tournament.”
Ulsan pressed higher after the interval, but Keanu Cupido’s dominance in the air and Ronwen Williams’ calm presence in goal kept danger at bay. Teboho Mokoena’s swerving free-kick almost doubled the lead, while substitute Tashreeq Matthews added fresh legs to frustrate the Koreans.
This win was not just a result but was a statement. Sundowns not only topped Group F after Fluminense and Borussia Dortmund drew 0-0, but they also etched themselves into Club World Cup history.
For Cardoso and his players, it was the perfect start. For African football, it was a moment of pride under stormy American skies.
