In the warm lights of Orlando, Florida, Mamelodi Sundowns carved out a historic moment – one not just etched in scorelines, but in statement.
Against Ulsan HD of South Korea, the reigning South African champions stood tall, bold and unshaken, claiming a 1-0 victory that announced their arrival on football’s grandest club stage.
The win also marked Sundowns’ first-ever victory at the tournament, having lost both of their fixtures during their debut appearance in 2016.
With three points secured, they now lead their group, while Borussia Dortmund and Fluminense – the two favourites – were held to a goalless draw in the other opening match.
Rayners’ hunger drives Brazilians forward
Continuing the rich vein of form he displayed towards the tail-end of the Premiership season, Iqraam Rayners looked sharp and purposeful from the outset.
The former Stellenbosch FC front-man was heavily involved in the first half, and proved to be a constant threat in the attacking third.
He came close to handing his side a bigger lead, but was denied by Video Assistant Referee (VAR) on two occasions after having two goals disallowed.
However, his eventual match-winning strike could well set the tone for the rest of the competition – both for himself and the team.
Rayners’ goal gives the Brazilians a critical edge going forward in the tournament, putting them in a favourable position as they prepare for tougher tests.
With Dortmund and Fluminense having dropped points in their stalemate, the pressure now shifts to the two group favourites to deliver in their upcoming fixtures.
The perfect game-plan
𝗡𝗢 𝗗𝗡𝗔, 𝗝𝗨𝗦𝗧 𝗥𝗦𝗔 🇿🇦
Congratulations to Masandawana on their first historic #FIFACWC win 🙌
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Apart from a brief period in the final 20 minutes, Sundowns dominated large spells of the match, playing with the kind of control and tactical sharpness that has made them the benchmark in South African football.
Coming off a long and gruelling domestic season, the expectation was that fatigue might creep in late in the game – especially against an Ulsan side currently in the middle of their own campaign.
And while there were signs of wear in the closing stages, Sundowns had already done the hard work earlier.
Their high-intensity pressing, intelligent possession play, and strong execution in both phases of the game helped them control proceedings for most of the match.
It’s a brand of football that has brought them plenty of success, and maintaining that identity throughout the tournament will be crucial if they’re to continue making history on the global stage.
Cardoso’s tactical tweaks pay off
With the opener deemed a must-win, head coach Miguel Cardoso made several key adjustments from the team that last faced Pyramids FC in the CAF Champions League final – and those changes proved valuable.
Despite Ulsan posing a tough challenge, Cardoso’s decision to reintroduce Themba Zwane to the starting line-up added both experience and composure in the middle of the park.
The veteran midfielder brought calmness and balance in a tightly contested first half, while also offering added attacking threat and linking play between midfield and attack.
Zwane’s leadership and presence will no doubt remain crucial as Sundowns look ahead to their next fixture – a high-stakes clash against German giants Dortmund at the TQL Stadium in Ohio on Saturday (6pm SA time start).
