Sundowns stun Ulsan HD in Club World Cup opener

South Africa’s Mamelodi Sundowns kicked off their 2025 FIFA Club World Cup campaign in style, securing a hard-fought 1-0 victory over South Korea’s Ulsan HD in a storm-delayed Group F clash at the Inter & Co Stadium.

Iqraam Rayners’ first-half strike proved decisive, handing the Pretoria-based side their first-ever win in the tournament after two defeats in their 2016 debut.

The match, delayed by over an hour due to lightning, finally got underway in front of a sparse crowd of 3,412 in Orlando.

Sundowns seized control early, with Rayners breaking the deadlock in the 36th minute after a perfectly weighted through ball from Lucas Ribeiro.

The South African forward nearly doubled his tally before half-time, only to be denied by an offside flag, while Teboho Mokoena forced a sharp save from Ulsan keeper Jo Hyeon-woo with a dipping free-kick.

Ulsan, the 2020 Asian Champions League winners, pushed hard after the break, but Sundowns’ defence – marshalled by goalkeeper Ronwen Williams – stood firm.

The South Korean side’s best chance fell in the 80th minute, but Williams produced a crucial stop to preserve the lead.

Coaches react

Sundowns’ head coach, Miguel Cardoso, praised his side’s composure: “I think the first half was very beautiful, a lot of control… we didn’t get the second goal and the pressure comes.”

“But I think my players made a wonderful job; we are very proud. (It was) the first victory of an African team in the tournament.”

Ulsan’s Kim Pan-gon rued missed opportunities: “We lacked composure in the key moments. The players worked hard, but at this level, one lapse is enough to lose the game.”

What’s next?

Sundowns now face Borussia Dortmund on Saturday, 21 June, at Ohio’s TQL Stadium, while Ulsan take on Brazil’s Fluminense at New Jersey’s MetLife Stadium.

A win against Dortmund could see the South Africans reach the Club World Cup knockout stages – a feat that would further cement their growing reputation on the global stage.