Mamelodi Sundowns claim crucial win in FIFA Club World Cup debut

Mamelodi Sundowns clinched a crucial victory over Ulsan HD, thanks to the only goal of the match scored by Iqraam Rayners.

The fixture, held at the Inter & Co Stadium in Orlando, Florida, began with a significant delay due to inclement weather, but the wait heightened anticipation for the Sundowns fans and players alike. The match kicked off on a fast-paced note, with Sundowns’ Arthur Sales making an early attempt to shake the net from a challenging angle, only to be thwarted by Ulsan’s vigilant goalkeeper.

The South African side pressed for an opening, but their initial efforts were met with stout resistance. Ulsan, too, would threaten shortly after, with a shot aimed at goal that sailed harmlessly over the crossbar.

As the first half unfolded, both teams exchanged possession with relentless energy, yet the score remained deadlocked. Rayners, displaying his attacking acumen, made a couple of promising moves, including a close-range attempt that narrowly missed the target and a disallowed goal from a free-kick that tickled the hopes of the Sundowns supporters.

The breakthrough came in the 36th minute when Rayners found himself on the end of a defence-splitting pass from Lucas Ribeiro, placing the ball neatly into the net to give Sundowns a well-deserved lead. Following that pivotal moment, Sundowns’ Teboho Mokoena almost doubled the advantage with a ferocious free-kick, but it was expertly parried away by the Ulsan goalkeeper.

The half-finished with Sundowns ahead, but it wasn’t without its nervy moments. Just before the whistle, Ronwen Williams had to act decisively to manage a loose ball, with Divine Lunga providing steadfast support to clear any potential threats from Ulsan, keeping the Sundowns’ lead intact as they headed into the dressing rooms.

The second half saw Ulsan come out with renewed vigour, finding joy in possession and pressing aggressively for an equaliser. Nonetheless, the defensive backbone of Sundowns held firm, repelling several attempts that could have levelled the score. Remarkably, Rayners nearly extended the lead shortly after the hour mark, but a critical tackle denied him the opportunity.

As the match progressed, both teams faced mounting pressure. Ulsan were intent on finding the back of the net as they created several chances, but time and again, the Sundowns’ defence, anchored by Lunga and a well-performing Williams, thwarted their advances. In a tense moment, Williams was unable to contain another shot, but Keanu Cupido’s quick thinking ensured the ball was cleared from danger.

With the clock winding down, the tension heightened as both teams chased late goals. However, Sundowns remained resolute, striving to maintain their slim lead. As the final whistle blew, the Brazilians celebrated a historic first win in Group F of the tournament, marking a promising start to their Club World Cup journey.