18-06-2025
Devine Lunga makes FIFA Club World Cup history
Mamelodi Sundowns defender, Devine Lunga, has just carved out a special place in Zimbabwean football history.
Lunga has become the nation's first-ever participant in the FIFA Club World Cup.
His consistent performances for Sundowns helped earn CAF ranking points vital to their qualification.
He played the full 90 minutes as Mamelodi Sundowns beat the South Korean side Ulsan HD FC 1-0 in their opening match on Tuesday.
Born in Bulawayo in May 1995, Lunga started his career at the grassroots level with Ajax Hotspurs before moving on to Chicken Inn FC.
He later crossed the Limpopo to try his luck in South Africa, eventually making his mark at Golden Arrows from 2018 to 2021. His performance there secured him a move to Sundowns, where he has remained ever since, except for a short loan spell back at Arrows.
After winning the opening match, Mamelodi Sundowns, led by Portuguese coach Miguel Cardoso, are now top of Group F after Fluminense and Borussia Dortmund drew 0-0 earlier.
Sundowns became the first African team to win a match in the expanded tournament.
Iqraam Rayners found the back of the net in the first half, finishing off a neat assist from Lucas Ribeiro to give his side the lead, just minutes after seeing an earlier goal chalked off for handball.
He thought he had a second later on, but the flag went up for offside.
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