Iqraam Rayners needed just one golden opportunity to hand Mamelodi Sundowns a dream start to their first-ever FIFA Club World Cup campaign, securing a 1-0 victory over Ulsan HD on a stormy night in Orlando, Florida.
A fierce electrical storm delayed the kick-off at Inter & Co Stadium by over an hour, but the South African champions returned from the interruption sharp and determined.
The win marked a significant milestone as the first victory for the African continent at the ongoing 2025 FIFA Club World Cup hosted in the United States.
The breakthrough came in the 36th minute when Lucas Ribeiro played a brilliant reverse pass through the Korean backline. Rayners latched on and delivered a stunning outside-of-the-boot finish past Jo Su-hyeok to seal the win.
It was a case of third time lucky for Rayners. He had already seen two earlier efforts ruled out—one for handball and another for offside after a VAR review. His persistence, however, perfectly embodied Sundowns’ dominance in a first half they largely controlled.
Ulsan’s best chance before the break came from Erick, who sent a powerful volley just over the crossbar. Moments later, Divine Lunga saved the day with an acrobatic goal-line clearance, protecting Ronwen Williams, who had been caught off his line.
In the second half, Ulsan returned with more intent, but Keanu Cupido’s aerial prowess and Williams’ composure denied them any real threat, limiting the K-League champions to speculative crosses.
Sundowns nearly doubled their lead when Ribeiro curled a shot just over from the edge of the area. Substitute Tashreeq Matthews added fresh energy late in the game, helping Sundowns close out the match professionally.
With Group F also featuring a goalless draw between Fluminense and Borussia Dortmund, Sundowns now sit top of the group and are in a strong position to advance to the knockout stage.
Coach Miguel Cardoso will be pleased with the clean sheet, an efficient performance, and preserving the energy of captain Themba Zwane. It was a disciplined and clinical display on a night that began with thunder but ended in triumph for the Masandawana.
Iqraam Rayners is our first #FIFACWC Superior Player of The Match after scoring the winner in our opening game! 🔥#Sundowns #TakeItToTheWorld #AfricaToTheWorld pic.twitter.com/xcozfNfEwI
— Mamelodi Sundowns FC (@Masandawana) June 18, 2025
