Cardoso: Sundowns 'earned world respect' in seven-goal epic
Published: Sunday, 22 June 2025
Mamelodi Sundowns coach Miguel Cardoso says his side leave Cincinnati with their heads held high after pushing Borussia Dortmund to the brink in a 4-3 Club World Cup thriller he believes 'earned respect from the world'.
The South African side stunned the Bundesliga giants when Lucas Ribeiro slalomed from halfway to score on 11 minutes, yet individual errors gifted Dortmund a foothold and the Germans surged 3-1 ahead by half-time.
Even after Khuliso Mudau's own goal stretched the deficit to three, the South African champions refused to crumble: Iqraam Rayners pounced on a rebound before substitute Lebo Mothiba set up a frenetic finale with a 90th-minute tap-in.
'This was a hell of an experience for the players,' Cardoso told reporters after the match that kept fans on the edge of their seats.
'We grew a lot from this match. We can compete. We showed that we are on the pitch and we are not afraid.
"We were brave enough and took them to the limit."
Cardoso believes that late surge underlined his squad's character.
"I already heard that Dortmund will remember this match for a long time and that is absolutely beautiful for me.'
Defeat ends Sundowns' unbeaten start yet leaves Group F finely balanced after Fluminense 4-2 win over Ulsan HD in the group's other game.
Victory over the Brazilian champions on Tuesday will still send Masandawana into the quarter-finals; any other result means relying on Dortmund to beat Ulsan.
Cardoso knows defensive lapses – notably Ronwen Williams' stray pass for Felix Nmecha's equaliser – must be eradicated.
South African fans inside TQL Stadium chanted long after the final whistle, acknowledging a performance that blended flair with resilience.
Cardoso hopes that energy carries into the showdown with Fluminense.
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