Mamelodi Sundowns Triumph in FIFA Club World Cup Debut

Mamelodi Sundowns secured a 1-0 victory over Ulsan HD in their opening match of the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup, taking the lead in Group F. Themba Zwane, aged 35, was a surprise starter and played a crucial role in the win. Head coach Miguel Cardoso praised Zwane’s preparation over the past two weeks as the reason for his inclusion. Despite previous criticism for not playing Zwane during the CAF Champions League final against Pyramids FC, Cardoso emphasized that his decision was based on respect and strategic planning rather than external pressure.

Cardoso acknowledged the difficulty of the match against Ulsan, noting that goals were disallowed, leading to a tense conclusion. This victory marks Sundowns’ first-ever win at the tournament. “We are very happy to be in this experience,” Cardoso stated, highlighting the team’s tactical preparation and commitment.

Looking ahead, Sundowns will face Borussia Dortmund on Saturday at TQL Stadium in Cincinnati, Ohio.