Borussia Dortmund Edge Mamelodi Sundowns 4-3 in Club World Cup Thriller to Top Group F
Borussia Dortmund Survive Late Scare to Beat Mamelodi Sundowns 4-3 and Lead Club World Cup Group F
Borussia Dortmund moved to the top of Group F in the Club World Cup with a thrilling 4-3 victory over Mamelodi Sundowns at the TQL Stadium on Saturday. Despite falling behind early, the German giants stormed back with a dominant first-half display and survived a spirited second-half fightback from the South African champions.
Sundowns took a surprise lead in the 11th minute when Lucas Ribeiro surged past a sluggish Dortmund defense and coolly slotted home. However, Dortmund quickly responded. A costly mistake by Sundowns goalkeeper Ronwen Williams gifted Felix Nmecha the equalizer just five minutes later.
The momentum shifted in Dortmund’s favor as Julian Brandt and Serhou Guirassy combined beautifully, with Guirassy heading home to make it 2-1. Jobe Bellingham extended the lead just before halftime, reacting quickest to a rebound and calmly finishing to give Dortmund a 3-1 advantage.
In the second half, Dortmund appeared to be cruising when Khuliso Mudau accidentally turned a Daniel Svensson cross into his own net, making it 4-1. But Sundowns refused to go quietly.
Iqraam Rayners, who had earlier struck the post, scored with a fortunate rebound after another hit off the woodwork in the 62nd minute. Substitute Lebo Mothiba added a third in the 90th minute after capitalizing on a defensive lapse, setting up a tense finish.
Despite the late pressure, Dortmund held on to claim all three points and now top Group F with four points from two matches—one ahead of Sundowns.
Key Moments:
- 11′ – Lucas Ribeiro gives Sundowns a shock lead.
- 16′ – Felix Nmecha equalizes after goalkeeper error.
- 26′ – Guirassy heads home to make it 2-1 for Dortmund.
- 45′ – Bellingham scores on rebound to extend lead.
- 60′ – Mudau scores own goal as Dortmund go 4-1 up.
- 62′ – Rayners pulls one back for Sundowns.
- 90′ – Mothiba adds a third for Sundowns, but it’s not enough.
