Lunga: Sundowns must protect their dignity against Borussia Dortmund – FIFA Club World Cup

Photo Credit - Mamelodi Sundowns Media.

Mamelodi Sundowns’ defender Divine Lunga has predicted a tough contest when they take on Germany's Borussia Dortmund in their second match of the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup at the QTL Stadium in Cincinnati on Saturday.

The Betway Premiership champions will be beaming with confidence following their opening Group F 1-0 win against South Korea's Ulsan Hyundai. Iqraam Rayner’s goal helped Masandawana, not only collect the maximum points, but to also go top of Group F, after Dortmund had secured a 0-0 draw against Fluminense.

Speaking ahead of Saturday’s fixture, the Zimbabwean international said the Brazilians are confident in themselves, and that the work they have put in to gear up for the encounter will enable them to win again.

“Everyone in camp knows what Dortmund are capable of. We respect them, but we are going to give our all on Saturday. As a club representing the country and the African continent, we have our dignity to protect, and because of that, we are going to match them for the important three points,” said Lunga, as quoted by Sundowns website.

“They are big guns, and even though we are regarded as underdogs, where we come from, everyone knows who Mamelodi Sundowns are. I am certain our opponents are aware of what we are capable of. I think it will be a tough game. It’s not going to be an easy one.”

On the opening win, he said: “I feel happy about the victory, and I think we gave it our all. Everyone fought, and we fought to get the win. We had analysed Ulsan’s matches that they played before they came to the USA, so we expected how they approached the game.”

Sundowns’ last group game will be against Brazilian side Fluminense next Wednesday.