Club World Cup: Mamelodi Sundowns fall to Dortmund

Borussia Dortmund came out on top against Mamelodi Sundowns this Saturday in a match where the South Africans showed that African football can go toe-to-toe with the very best.

The South Africans struck first. Lucas Ribeiro opened the scoring in the 11th minute after a brilliant solo run. Dortmund replied just five minutes later through Felix Nmecha, capitalizing on a goalkeeper error. Then, from a pinpoint cross, Serhou Guirassy put the Germans ahead with an unstoppable header (34’). Just before the break, Jobe Bellingham netted Dortmund’s third (45’), capping off a pulsating first half.

After the break, the Sundowns tried to get back into the game but were punished by an own goal from Mudau (59’) in a chaotic sequence. With the score at 4-1, the match seemed settled, but Mamelodi fought back. Rayners pulled one back with a header in the 62nd minute, before Lebo Mothiba struck in the 90th, closing the gap to 4-3. Meanwhile, Ronwen Williams stood tall between the sticks for the South Africans, making several crucial saves, including a header from Bensebaini.

Despite a final attacking surge, Dortmund held on until the final whistle. It was an open, intense match, with both sides displaying impressive attacking quality.

Aliou Toundé |

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