Sundowns Push Dortmund to the Limit in 7-Goal Thriller
Saturday, 21 June 2025 – TQL Stadium, Cincinnati, USA
Mamelodi Sundowns’ spirited display wasn’t enough to stop Borussia Dortmund as the South African champions suffered a narrow 4-3 defeat in a pulsating Group F encounter at the FIFA Club World Cup on Saturday night. Despite the result, Sundowns earned global respect for their fearless football against the German giants, in what was their first loss of the tournament after two matches.
Having opened their campaign with a 1-0 win over Ulsan HD in Orlando, expectations were high. And Sundowns didn’t disappoint early on.
In the 11th minute, Brazilian striker Lucas Ribeiro set the game alight with a stunning solo run and finish to give the Brazilians a 1-0 lead. His goal electrified the stadium, signaling that Sundowns had not come to the global stage to simply participate — they came to compete.
However, a lapse in concentration proved costly. Goalkeeper Ronwen Williams, attempting to pass to Teboho Mokoena, mistakenly delivered the ball into a dangerous area. Confusion reigned as Marcelo Allende called Mokoena away from his spot, opening space for Dortmund’s Felix Nmecha to capitalise and equalise.
That moment shifted momentum.
In the 34th minute, Serhou Guirassy added Dortmund’s second, and just before halftime, Jobe Bellingham made it 3-1 with a sharp finish — leaving Sundowns trailing at the break.
Things worsened in the second half when an own goal from Khuliso Mudau in the 59th minute extended Dortmund’s lead to 4-1. But just three minutes later, Iqraam Rayners — already on the scoresheet in the previous match — netted his second of the tournament to cut the deficit to 4-2.
Coach Miguel Cardoso responded with bold changes, bringing on experienced striker Lebo Mothiba and 19-year-old Soweto-born Kutlwano Letlhaku. The youngster made an instant impression, linking up with Mothiba in the 90th minute with a clever assist that saw Mothiba fire home to make it 4-3.
It was a magical moment — not just a goal, but a message to the world: the future of South African football is bright.
Unfortunately, time ran out for Sundowns. Despite six minutes of added time, the equaliser never came. The final whistle blew with Dortmund narrowly claiming all three points.
With Ulsan HD losing 4-2 to Fluminense later in the day, Sundowns’ path to the knockout stage is now clear: they must beat Fluminense on Wednesday, 25 June 2025 in their final Group F clash.
Key Match Highlights:
- Lucas Ribeiro scores opener (11’)
- Felix Nmecha, Serhou Guirassy, and Jobe Bellingham net for Dortmund in first half
- Own Goal by Khuliso Mudau (59’)
- Iqraam Rayners pulls one back (62’)
- Lebo Mothiba scores in the 90th after assist from Kutlwano Letlhaku
Sundowns may have lost the match, but they won hearts — and their dream of making history at the Club World Cup is still alive.
One to Watch: Kutlwano Letlhaku – The Soweto-born teen showed composure beyond his years and proved that talent from local townships belongs on the global stage.