FIFA Club World Cup: Williams' costly error halts momentum as Sundowns fall to Dortmund
- Andrew Olsson
- 23 hours ago
- 2 min read
Mamelodi Sundowns got off to a dream start against European giants Borussia Dortmund on Saturday at the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup. However, a costly goalkeeping error from star Ronwen Williams paved the way for Dortmund to surge back from an early deficit and win 4-3 in their Group F clash at TQL Stadium in Cincinnati, Ohio.
It was a shame for the South African champions who had the Bundesliga club on their heels throughout the match. A frantic start set the pace for an incredibly entertaining and open clash and it felt like an upset was in the air when Sundowns star Lucas Ribeiro received the ball in the 11th minute and accelerated past the Dortmund defense to open the scoring in sensational fashion.
Plenty of opportunities arrived for both teams whose defenses constantly looked susceptible. But it was Sundowns who squandered too many opportunities while Dortmund utilized Williams' gift to calm down and allow their finishing efficiency to put them back in the driver's seat.
Towards the end of the half, they made their move in the 34th minute after winning the ball in midfield and attacking down the right wing. Julian Brandt's floated cross was perfect for star striker Serhou Guirassy who arrived at the far post to head past Williams.
Jobe Bellingham's calm finish just before halftime gave Dortmund a two-goal edge and it appeared that the result was all but secure when Sundowns right back Khuliso Mudau deflected Daniel Svensson's cross into his own goal at the hour mark.
But Sundowns made one final courageous charge. Iqraam Rayners, the hero from their opening match victory over Ulsan HD, responded soon after Dortmund's fourth by bundling in from close range after his header from a Teboho Mokoena ball hit the post.
Lebo Mothiba pulled one more goal back in the 90th minute when he finished after receiving a pass from fellow substitute Kutlwano Lethlaku. However, there was not quite enough time for Masandawana to generate another good opportunity and Dortmund just held on in what was perhaps the most entertaining match of the Club World Cup so far.
Plenty of hope remains for Sundowns in their quest to advance to the knockout stages, who finish play in Group F against Brazilian club Fluminense on Wednesday. They will likely need a victory depending on the result of Fluminense's match with Ulsan HD later on Saturday. Dortmund finish up against Korean club Ulsan, also on Wednesday.
Group F Table
GP | Points | |
Borussia Dortmund | 2 | 4 |
Mamelodi Sundowns | 2 | 3 |
Fluminense | 1 | 1 |
Ulsan HD | 1 | 0 |
The top two clubs qualify for the Round of 16.
