Sundowns Shine in USA! Rayners Strike Seals First Club World Cup Win for Masandawana 🇿🇦⚽
Mamelodi Sundowns began their FIFA Club World Cup Group F campaign with a hard-fought 1-0 victory over South Korea’s Ulsan HD in the early hours of 18 June 2025 at Inter & Co Stadium in Orlando, USA. The match, originally scheduled to kick off at midnight, was delayed by an hour due to ‘severe ‘bad’ weather conditions that swept through the area.
Despite the delay and the lingering heartbreak from their CAF Champions League Final defeat to Pyramids FC, Sundowns came out firing — and the fans got what they’d been crying out for: the return of veteran playmaker Themba “Mshishi” Zwane to the starting lineup. Zwane, who was controversially left out of the starting XI in both legs of the CAF Final, showed his class throughout the match, controlling tempo and unlocking Ulsan’s defense with his signature skill and vision.
The night, however, belonged to Iqraam Rayners. The sharp-shooting forward found the back of the net three times, though VAR cruelly ruled two of them out for offside and a handball in the build-up. Still, Rayners made sure one counted — a well-timed run and a composed finish sealed the winner and earned him the Man of the Match accolade.
The win puts Sundowns at the summit of Group F with three points, while European giants Borussia Dortmund and Brazilian side Fluminense FC follow with a point apiece after playing to a draw in their opening clash.
Coach Miguel Cardoso will be pleased with his side’s response to recent criticism and the energetic support they received from traveling fans, who sang from the stands in full voice before, during, and after the match.
Upcoming Fixtures for Mamelodi Sundowns in Group F:
- 🗓 Saturday, 21 June 2025: vs Borussia Dortmund at 18:00 (TQL Stadium)
- 🗓 Wednesday, 25 June 2025: vs Fluminense FC at 21:00 (Hard Rock Stadium)
With momentum on their side and their talisman Mshishi back in the fold, Masandawana will look to carry this form into their next clash — a massive test against Bundesliga powerhouse Borussia Dortmund.