Mamelodi Sundowns enjoyed a winning start to their campaign at the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup on Tuesday night, defeating Ulsan HD FC 1-0 after a dominant performance.
The victory has propelled the South African giants to the summit of the Group F standings at the tournament after the first round of games.
On the matchday, Mamelodi Sundowns thought they had opened their account in the 29th minute when Lucas Ribeiro’s corner found Iqraam Rayners inside the box.
Rayners managed to get the ball over the line, only for VAR to intervene, disallowing the goal for a handball.
Just seven minutes later, the dynamic duo struck again. In the 36th minute, Ribeiro delivered another pinpoint pass to Rayners, who showed superb composure to slot the ball precisely into the bottom left corner to give Sundowns the lead.
However, the VAR drama wasn’t over. In the 39th minute, Rayners once again showcased his predatory instincts, creating space after a well-taken pass and finding the middle of the goal.
The celebrations were cut short once more as VAR chalked off the goal for an offside in the build-up play.
Although Ulsan HD FC came in stronger in the second half in search of a way back into the game, a resolute performance from Mamelodi Sundowns kept the South Korean side out.
Sundowns held on to secure a narrow victory that puts the side in control of Group F after the first round of games in the group.
