Mamelodi Sundowns suffered a 4-3 defeat to Borussia Dortmund in their 2025 FIFA Club World Cup fixture at the TQL Stadium in Cincinatti, Ohio on Saturday afternoon.
Sundowns started with ascendancy in the opening half, carving open the German side with a more direct brand of football usually synonymous with the club, but efficient as they tried to negate their physical disadvantage against the German club.
ALSO READ: Sundowns & Dortmund Starting XIs Announced
Cardoso On Facing Dortmund
After several impressive runs by Tashreeq Matthews and Iqraam Rayners, it was Lucas Ribeiro Costa who eventually broke the deadlock with a great run through the centre of the park before slotting home past Gregor Kobel.
And while they looked to be in the driving seat, things fell apart as they failed to capitalise on their half chances, and punished for each individual error, as Felix Nmecha got the levelling goal, slotting the ball into an empty net after Ronwen Williams’ misplaced pass.
Serhou Guirassy, also after a loss in possession, he sprayed the ball out wide to Julian Brandt whose delivery at the far post was met with a towering header, but it didn’t end there.
Jobe Bellingham, who showed his powerful presence in midfield, netted his first goal for the club, when Williams parried a cross into his wake – before he prodded the ball home on the brink of half-time for a 3-1 lead.
With 33 degrees celsius, there was a mandatory water break midway through each half, with the players notably having a challenge to keep up with the conditions – as been the case for most of the games in the tournament.
But they still managed to entertain those who rocked up to the home of FC Cincinnati this afternoon – which for most of the neutrals in the press area found a riveting fixture.
Rayners hit the cross bar, Teboho Mokoena nearly found the top corner from a long-range free kick as Sundowns chased the game after coming out at the break.
However, again, Dortmund, who scored their fourth, against the run of play, as Brandt forced an own goal from Khuliso Mudau as he deflected a cross past Williams.
Rayners eventually found the net after the hour mark for his second of the tournament to offer Sundowns a glimmer of hope.
Substitute Lebogang Mothiba made it 4-3 in the 89th minute as they chased the equalizer, but the Germans held on to topple Sundowns at the summit with four points to Masandawana’s three.
Did you know that the iDiski Times Digital Newspaper is completely free! Download it now by clicking the button below or fill in the form to have it sent to you every week.
