On June 21, 2025, Cincinnati’s TQL Stadium played host to an electrifying FIFA Club World Cup Group F encounter between South African giants Mamelodi Sundowns and German powerhouse Borussia Dortmund.
The match, a showcase of contrasting footballing cultures, delivered high-octane action, tactical battles, and moments of brilliance, captivating fans worldwide.
Match Overview
Mamelodi Sundowns, the reigning South African Premier Soccer League champions, entered the match as underdogs but buoyed by their 1-0 victory over Ulsan HD in their opening Group F fixture.
Borussia Dortmund, coming off a lackluster 0-0 draw against Fluminense, were desperate for a win to keep their Round of 16 hopes alive.
The stage was set for a clash that pitted Sundowns’ flair and resilience against Dortmund’s technical prowess and attacking depth.
The game ended with a 4-2 victory for Borussia Dortmund, but the scoreline barely captures the intensity and drama that unfolded over 90 minutes.
Both teams showcased their strengths, with Sundowns proving they could hold their own against one of Europe’s elite clubs.
Key Moments
First Half: Sundowns Strike First, Dortmund Respond
The match exploded into life early on when Mamelodi Sundowns took the lead in the 11th minute.
Tashreeq Matthews, a former Dortmund academy player, provided a pinpoint assist for Lucas Ribeiro Costa, who raced clear and slotted a composed finish past Gregor Kobel to make it 1-0.
The South African fans in attendance erupted, sensing a potential upset.
Dortmund responded swiftly, equalizing just five minutes later.
A rare error from Sundowns’ goalkeeper Ronwen Williams gifted the ball to Felix Nmecha, who calmly fired into an empty net to level the score at 1-1.
The Bundesliga side began to assert control, with Pascal Groß and Julian Brandt dictating the tempo in midfield.
In the 34th minute, Dortmund took the lead. Brandt, pulling the strings for BVB, raced to the byline and delivered a perfect cross for Serhou Guirassy, who rose above the Sundowns defense to head home.
The goal showcased Dortmund’s clinical edge, making it 2-1.
Just before halftime, Dortmund extended their lead. Jobe Bellingham, making his first start for the club, marked the occasion with a stunning volley from just inside the box after Williams parried a Brandt cross.
The 3-1 scoreline at the break reflected Dortmund’s dominance but masked Sundowns’ spirited performance.
Second Half: Sundowns Fight Back, Dortmund Seal the Win
Mamelodi Sundowns emerged for the second half with renewed vigor, pressing high and unsettling Dortmund’s rhythm.
Their efforts paid off in the 65th minute when Iqraam Rayners, Sundowns’ in-form striker, headed home from close range following a well-worked set-piece, reducing the deficit to 2-3.
The goal reignited hopes of a comeback, and Sundowns continued to threaten, with Themba Zwane and Marcelo Allende testing Dortmund’s defense.
However, a late own goal by Sundowns’ Khuliso Mudau in the 82nd minute, deflecting a Dortmund cross into his own net, sealed the 4-2 victory for the German side.
Standout Performers
Tashreeq Matthews (Mamelodi Sundowns): The winger, facing his former club, was a constant menace down the left flank, assisting the opening goal and creating several chances. His dribbling and pace troubled Dortmund’s defense throughout.
Julian Brandt (Borussia Dortmund): The playmaker was instrumental, providing assists for Guirassy’s and Bellingham’s goals while orchestrating Dortmund’s attacks. His vision and creativity were key to BVB’s victory.
Iqraam Rayners (Mamelodi Sundowns): The striker’s clinical header kept Sundowns in the game, and his tireless work rate epitomized their fighting spirit. Rayners has now scored eight goals in his last ten matches across all competitions.
Jobe Bellingham (Borussia Dortmund): The young midfielder announced himself on the big stage with a goal and a composed performance, earning praise for his energy and commitment.
Tactical Insights
Sundowns, under coach Miguel Cardoso, employed a high-pressing game plan that caught Dortmund off guard early on.
Their 4-3-3 formation allowed wingers Matthews and Ribeiro to exploit the flanks, while captain Themba Zwane’s return from injury added guile in midfield.
However, lapses in concentration, particularly Williams’ error, proved costly against a clinical Dortmund side.
Dortmund, managed by Niko Kovač, relied on their trademark possession-based style, with Groß and Brandt controlling the midfield.
Their 4-2-3-1 formation enabled quick transitions, with Guirassy acting as a focal point up top.
Despite a shaky start, Dortmund’s ability to capitalize on Sundowns’ mistakes highlighted their experience at this level.
What’s Next?
The result leaves Mamelodi Sundowns in a precarious position in Group F, with their final group match against Fluminense on June 25, 2025, now a must-win to keep their Round of 16 hopes alive.
Despite the loss, Sundowns’ performance against Dortmund will boost their confidence, proving they can compete with the world’s best.
Borussia Dortmund, meanwhile, face Ulsan HD on June 25 at TQL Stadium.
A victory could secure their place in the knockout stages, but they’ll need to address their slow starts to avoid further slip-ups.
Fan Reactions and Broader Context
The match generated significant buzz on social media, with fans praising Sundowns’ bravery and Dortmund’s quality.
Posts on X highlighted Matthews’ emotional return to face his former club and Guirassy’s growing reputation as a lethal striker.
Some fans expressed frustration at Sundowns’ defensive errors, while others lauded their historic performance as the first African team to win a match in the expanded Club World Cup format.
The game also underscored the growing competitiveness of the FIFA Club World Cup, with African clubs like Sundowns challenging European heavyweights.
For Dortmund, the match served as a reminder of the fine margins in international tournaments, especially after their underwhelming draw against Fluminense.
Where to Watch Highlights
Fans can catch highlights and full replays on FIFA+ or stream the match via DAZN, the official global streaming partner for the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup.
Final Thoughts
Mamelodi Sundowns may have fallen short, but their performance against Borussia Dortmund was a testament to their quality and ambition.
For Dortmund, the win provides a much-needed boost as they aim to navigate a tricky Group F.
As the FIFA Club World Cup 2025 continues to unfold, this match will be remembered as a thrilling chapter in a tournament full of surprises.
Follow live updates and stats for all FIFA Club World Cup matches on Sofascore or ESPN.
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Thanks for reading: Mamelodi Sundowns vs. Borussia Dortmund: A Thrilling Clash at the FIFA Club World Cup 2025, Sorry, my English is bad:)