On Saturday, June 21, 2025, South African giants Mamelodi Sundown’s faced Bundesliga powerhouse Borussia Dortmund in a thrilling Group F showdown at Cincy’s TQL Stadium during the expanded FIFA Club World Cup. Battling against the odds in grueling 32°C (90°F) heat, Sundown’s delivered a performance that was as gutsy as it was captivating.
Despite eventually succumbing 4–3, they soared briefly to the summit of Group F underscoring the quality and resilience of the Brazilians.
Early Shock: Ribeiro’s Solo Stunner
In the 11th minute, Lucas Ribeiro Costa shocked the football world by launching a solo run from midfield evading Dortmund’s backline with silky dribbling before clinically slotting home. It was full reward for an audacious attempt and set an early tone of “upstart” defiance from Sundowns.
The Quickfire Reversal
Only five minutes later, Sundowns’ confidence turned to heartbreak. In a calamitous error, keeper Ronwen Williams passed directly to Felix Nmecha, gifting Dortmund the equalizer. This downturn was pivotal a momentum-shifting blunder that catalyzed Dortmund’s rise.
Dortmund’s Midfield Powerplay
Borussia pressed their advantage through midfield artistry:
- Serhou Guirassy headed them ahead in the 34th.
- Just before halftime, Jobe Bellingham struck in the 45th minute to make it 3–1 netting his first goal for Dortmund and making an instant impression in his full debut.
Unfortunate Own Goal, Fiery Heart
In the 59th, Khuliso Mudau’s attempted interception deflected into his own net pushing the German side further ahead at 4–1. The mistake stung, but Sundowns refused to buckle.
A Fearless Comeback
Sundowns rallied magnificently:
- Iqraam Rayners struck in the 62nd after seeing his first shot rattle the post.
- In stoppage time, Lebo Mothiba clipped it home to bring the score to 4–3.
Although they pushed for an equalizer, time ran out yet their refusal to fold drew admiration.
Tactical & Performance Review
Endurance Test in Intense Heat
Played around midday in sweltering 90°F weather, the match required several cooling breaks. Dortmund coach Niko Kovác introduced ice baths and fans to combat the heatna necessity as the game neared 32°C.
Defensive Blow Bites Back
Sundowns’ defense, initially resolute, buckled under sudden pressure:
- Williams’ pass to Nmecha, and Mudau’s own-goal were costly mistakes.
- Dortmund’s attacking transitions exposed vulnerabilities.
Even so, Sundowns showed mental strength to claw back — a trait not always seen on the world stage.
Midfield Battle & Press
Marco adjustments by Sundowns particularly using Teboho Mokoena’s free‑kick delivery — sparked chances. Rayners’ header goal from a set-piece highlighted their threat from dead‑balls.
Player Highlights
Lucas Ribeiro
Electrifying dribbler who opened scoring. Establisher of the unexpected.
Iqraam Rayners
Lively attacking substitute came off bench and rattled post before heading in goal.
Lebo Mothiba
Impact sub who scored in 90th epitomized Sundowns’ fighting ethos
Ronwen Williams
Faced tough scrutiny for dangerous pass that allowed Dortmund’s opening equalizer.
What’s At Stake: Group F Battles
Following a 1–0 win over Ulsan Hyundai, Sundowns entered the Dortmund game atop Group F. Their loss allowed Dortmund to leapfrog them with 4 points to Sundowns’ 3.
Final group meeting will pit Sundowns vs. Fluminense on Wednesday, June 25, in New Jersey. The winner or top tiebreakers will proceed to the Round of 16.
Coach Cardoso: Perspective & Praise
From Sundowns’ official June 22 club website, Cardoso reflected on the performance:
Despite heartbreak, the tone remained optimistic proud, competitive, acknowledged globally.
Dortmund’s Rising Star: Jobe Bellingham
Jobe, brother of England icon Jude Bellingham, netted his debut goal and earned Player of the Match honors. Coach Kovác hailed him as “the future of this club.”
That said, Sundowns’ response ensured he and Dortmund didn’t dominate unchallenged.
Off-Pitch: Attendance & Atmosphere
While the stadium hosted 14,006 spectators, other matches in the Club World Cup saw low turnout:
- Just 3,412 attended the Ulsan Sundowns game in Orlando raising eyebrows.
Still, TQL Stadium’s atmosphere in Cincinnati was buzzing fans energized by high stakes action.
Looking Ahead
Sundowns vs. Fluminense
- Matchday: Wednesday, June 25, in New Jersey
- Scenario: A win likely seals qualification. A draw leaves permutation; loss almost certainly eliminates them.
If Eliminated
Their tournament ends after 3 games. Yet a win could see them finish second in Group F possibly facing tough knockout opponents from Group E.
Follow-up
Cardoso will need to balance tactical cohesion with cooling strategies and rally his players mentally post-defeat.
Final Word: More Than Just a Scoreline
Yes, Sundowns lost. But a blow-by-blow recap would miss the emotional heart.
- A group-stage leader before the match.
- Valiant response after two conceded blunders.
- A tactical fightback under punishing heat.
- Earned world respect, as coach proudly stated.