In the weather-delayed FIFA Club World Cup opener, Mamelodi Sundowns defeat Ulsan HD.

by Lwandiso Simanga

Mamelodi Sundowns of South Africa and Ulsan HD of South Korea engaged in a fiercely contested match to kick off the FIFA Club World Cup at Inter&Co Stadium in Orlando. Kickoff was delayed by an hour due to bad weather, but the game finally went forward in front of 3,412 fans.

Iqraam Rayners, a native of Cape Town, easily finished past the goalkeeper after Lucas Ribeiro’s superbly weighted through ball in the 36th minute to give the Sundowns a 1-0 lead. In the first half, Rayners had two more chances, but one goal was disallowed for handball and the other was cautioned for offside.

image: Mane Land

The game was still tight even though the South African team had more possession and created more shots (8–5 in the first half). Matias Lacava and Erick put the Sundowns defense to the test in the 81st minute as Ulsan HD pushed for an equalizer late in the game, but goalkeeper Ronwen Williams and his defense held fast.

When Tashreeq Matthews’ shot went just over the bar in the 88th minute, the Sundowns came very close to winning. In the end, the game concluded 1-0, and Mamelodi Sundowns won the top spot in Group F after Fluminense and Borussia Dortmund had already drawn goallessly.

The fans, despite their small number, contributed to the exciting atmosphere. Ulsan supporters dominated the northern end, while Sundowns followers in yellow danced and sang throughout the game. Despite the first storm delay, Orlando’s tournament began on a remarkable note.