Borussia Dortmund Triumphs 4-3 Over Mamelodi Sundowns in Club World Cup

On June 21, 2025, Borussia Dortmund secured a thrilling 4-3 victory over Mamelodi Sundowns during the FIFA Club World Cup group stage at TQL Stadium in Cincinnati, Ohio. The match, which drew an attendance of 14,006, was marked by intense competition and remarkable performances from both teams.

Dortmund entered the match with a record of one win and one draw, while Sundowns sought their first victory after losing their prior match. The game commenced with an unexpected lead for the South African champions, as Lucas Ribeiro opened the scoring in the 11th minute. Ribeiro's goal came after an impressive solo run, showcasing his ability to penetrate Dortmund's defense effectively. However, this lead was short-lived, as Dortmund's Felix Nmecha capitalized on a mistake by Sundowns goalkeeper Ronwen Williams, leveling the score just five minutes later with an easy tap-in after a poor pass from Williams.

Following the equalizer, Dortmund began to assert their dominance over the match. Serhou Guirassy put Dortmund ahead in the 34th minute, capitalizing on a well-executed one-two pass with Julian Brandt that culminated in a powerful header. The first half concluded with Jobe Bellingham scoring his inaugural goal for Dortmund just before halftime, taking advantage of a rebound from Williams after Brandt’s cross.

In the second half, Dortmund extended their lead to 4-1 when a cross from Daniel Svensson deflected off Sundowns defender Khuliso Mudau, leading to an own goal in the 62nd minute. Despite the significant deficit, Mamelodi Sundowns demonstrated resilience, with Iqraam Rayners scoring in the 59th minute following a well-placed free kick from Teboho Mokoena. Lebo Mothiba added a third goal for Sundowns in the 90th minute, showcasing their fighting spirit.

Dortmund’s victory places them at the top of Group F with four points, while Sundowns remain competitive with three points from their two matches. Post-match, Nmecha expressed confidence in Dortmund’s ability to adapt after initially trailing, stating, "We weren't surprised by Sundowns; we expected a strong start from them. But we worked to impose ourselves on the game."

Mamelodi Sundowns head coach Miguel Cardoso reflected on the match, saying, "We take away a feeling of disappointment but pride also because we were competitive. I think we earned a lot of respect." This encounter not only highlighted the competitiveness of both teams but also set the stage for an exciting remainder of the tournament as they vie for a place in the knockout stages.

The Club World Cup serves as a platform for showcasing international football talent, and this match exemplified the growing quality of African clubs on the global stage. As the tournament progresses, both Borussia Dortmund and Mamelodi Sundowns will aim to build on their performances, looking forward to securing advancement to the next round.