Mamelodi Sundowns gave Borussia Dortmund a real scare but couldn’t hold off the German side in a gripping 4-3 defeat in Group F of the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup.
The South Africans came out flying and stunned Dortmund early when Lucas Ribeiro fired them ahead in the 11th minute. But the lead didn’t last long, as Felix Nmecha pulled Dortmund level just five minutes later.
Serhou Guirassy’s close-range header and Jobe Bellingham’s sharp finish gave Dortmund a two-goal cushion before halftime. Things got worse for Sundowns when Khuliso Mudau turned the ball into his own net to make it 4-1.
Sundowns refused to go quietly. Iqraam Rayners nodded home from a set piece before substitute Lebo Mothiba grabbed a stoppage-time goal to cut the gap to one.
Despite dominating possession and creating more chances, Sundowns couldn’t find a late equaliser.
With one game left, the South African champions now turn their focus to Fluminense in what could be a make-or-break clash. Sundowns will take on Fluminense on June 25th at the Hard Rock Stadium.
