Rayners Strikes as Mamelodi Sundowns Stun Ulsan in Club World Cup Opener
Mamelodi Sundowns made a dream start to their FIFA Club World Cup campaign with a hard-fought 1-0 win over South Korean champions Ulsan HD in the early hours of Wednesday morning (local time). The victory at Inter & Co Stadium in Orlando, Florida, saw the South African giants rise to the top of their group after European heavyweights Borussia Dortmund and Brazilian side Fluminense played out a draw.
Iqraam Rayners Shines on the Global Stage
Iqraam Rayners was the hero of the night, scoring the only goal and claiming the Superior Man of the Match award. His 36th-minute strike came after a slick through-ball from Lucas Ribeiro, which he neatly toe-poked home from close range. It was a deserved goal for the Capetonian, who had earlier found the net twice more—only for both efforts to be ruled out by VAR for handball and a marginal offside call.
Despite the weather delaying kickoff by more than an hour due to lightning in the area, Sundowns started strongly. Arthur Sales nearly opened the scoring in the first 30 seconds, but Ulsan’s defence managed to scramble the ball clear and escape a penalty shout.
Ribeiro and Rayners Combination Sparkles
Rayners and Ribeiro’s partnership proved lethal on the night, slicing through the Ulsan defence with precision. The Brazilian midfielder’s vision and passing repeatedly unlocked chances, and Rayners nearly bagged a first-half hat-trick, only to be denied by technology.
Even with a narrow lead, Sundowns could have comfortably sealed the game before the interval. Teboho Mokoena almost doubled the advantage with a trademark free-kick just before half-time, forcing a sharp save from goalkeeper HW Cho. There was also a nervy moment when Seungbeom Ko lobbed Ronwen Williams, but Divine Lunga’s timely header kept the ball out.
Cupido’s Heroics Seal the Win
As the match neared its end, the most dramatic moment came when Keano Cupido saved Sundowns from heartbreak. In the dying minutes, an Ulsan attack from the right led to a shot that beat Williams and was rolling towards an empty net. But Cupido, channeling memories of his father Greg’s famous clearance in the 1986 Mainstay Cup final, sprinted back and made a last-ditch sliding intervention to clear the ball before an Ulsan striker could tap in.
The clearance ensured Mamelodi Sundowns walked away with a massive three points, firmly placing them in the driver’s seat in their group.
A Statement Victory for the Continent
The result sent a powerful message: Sundowns are not in the tournament to make up the numbers. Their attacking flair, midfield dominance, and resolute defending showcased the strength of club football in the country. With Dortmund and Fluminense held to a draw, Masandawana now sit proudly at the summit of their group and are in a strong position to reach the top 16.
Coach Miguel Cardoso, who started veteran Themba Zwane after surprisingly benching him in the CAF Champions League final, saw his tactical gamble pay off. Zwane’s experience in midfield, alongside the creativity of Ribeiro and the clinical finishing of Rayners, proved too much for Ulsan to handle.
Mamelodi Sundowns Eye the Knockouts
With group games against Dortmund and Fluminense still to come, Sundowns will need to stay sharp. But this opening victory has ignited hope that the South African champions can achieve something special on the global stage. The blend of attacking intent and defensive grit, embodied by Rayners’ goal and Cupido’s late heroics, will give Cardoso’s side plenty of confidence heading into the next challenge.
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