Latest news with #Rayners'
IOL News
2 hours ago
- Sport
- IOL News
How Mamelodi Sundowns announced themselves on the world stage with historic Club World Cup win
Mamelodi Sundowns striker Iqraam Rayners celebrates his goal during the FIFA Club World Cup Group F match against South Korea's Ulsan HD. Photo: AFP Image: PATRICIA DE MELO MOREIRA / AFP In the warm lights of Orlando, Florida, Mamelodi Sundowns carved out a historic moment – one not just etched in scorelines, but in statement. Against Ulsan HD of South Korea, the reigning South African champions stood tall, bold and unshaken, claiming a 1-0 victory that announced their arrival on football's grandest club stage. The win also marked Sundowns' first-ever victory at the tournament, having lost both of their fixtures during their debut appearance in 2016. With three points secured, they now lead their group, while Borussia Dortmund and Fluminense – the two favourites – were held to a goalless draw in the other opening match. Rayners' hunger drives Brazilians forward Continuing the rich vein of form he displayed towards the tail-end of the Premiership season, Iqraam Rayners looked sharp and purposeful from the outset. The former Stellenbosch FC front-man was heavily involved in the first half, and proved to be a constant threat in the attacking third. He came close to handing his side a bigger lead, but was denied by Video Assistant Referee (VAR) on two occasions after having two goals disallowed. However, his eventual match-winning strike could well set the tone for the rest of the competition – both for himself and the team. Rayners' goal gives the Brazilians a critical edge going forward in the tournament, putting them in a favourable position as they prepare for tougher tests. With Dortmund and Fluminense having dropped points in their stalemate, the pressure now shifts to the two group favourites to deliver in their upcoming fixtures. The perfect game-plan Apart from a brief period in the final 20 minutes, Sundowns dominated large spells of the match, playing with the kind of control and tactical sharpness that has made them the benchmark in South African football. Coming off a long and gruelling domestic season, the expectation was that fatigue might creep in late in the game – especially against an Ulsan side currently in the middle of their own campaign. And while there were signs of wear in the closing stages, Sundowns had already done the hard work earlier. Their high-intensity pressing, intelligent possession play, and strong execution in both phases of the game helped them control proceedings for most of the match. It's a brand of football that has brought them plenty of success, and maintaining that identity throughout the tournament will be crucial if they're to continue making history on the global stage. Cardoso's tactical tweaks pay off With the opener deemed a must-win, head coach Miguel Cardoso made several key adjustments from the team that last faced Pyramids FC in the CAF Champions League final – and those changes proved valuable. Despite Ulsan posing a tough challenge, Cardoso's decision to reintroduce Themba Zwane to the starting line-up added both experience and composure in the middle of the park. The veteran midfielder brought calmness and balance in a tightly contested first half, while also offering added attacking threat and linking play between midfield and attack. Zwane's leadership and presence will no doubt remain crucial as Sundowns look ahead to their next fixture – a high-stakes clash against German giants Dortmund at the TQL Stadium in Ohio on Saturday (6pm SA time start).
The Citizen
11 hours ago
- Sport
- The Citizen
Sundowns get off to winning start at club world cup
Iqraam Rayners scored the only goal of the match in what was an entertaining game between the two teams. Iqraam Rayners of Mamelodi Sundowns celebrates his goal at Cape Town Stadium on 3 May 2025 © Ryan Wilkisky/BackpagePix Mamelodi Sundowns beat Ulsan HD 1-0 in their opening match of the FIFA Club World Cup at the Inter & Co Stadium on Tuesday. Iqraam Rayners scored the only goal of the match in what was an entertaining game between the two teams. ALSO READ: Chiefs part ways with defender Dove Rayners also had a goal disallowed due to offside against the Korean Republic outfit. The game was delayed by over an hour due to adverse weather conditions in Orlando, Florida. Sundowns started the brighter of the two teams by controlling possession and creating a few chances early in the game. Club captain Themba Zwane was given a rare start after missing out on last month's CAF Champions League final defeat to Pyramids FC of Egypt. Rayners' pace caused the Ulsan defence all sorts of problems and he thought he had given Sundowns the lead in the 31st minute but VAR intervened as he was in an offside position. The 29-year-old was not to be denied three minutes later after finding himself through on goal following a great pass by Lucas Ribeiro. Rayners controlled the ball before putting it past the onrushing Ulsan goalkeeper Hyeon-woo Jo and into the bottom corner. Ulsan took the game to Sundowns in the second half but the South African champions defended well and held on for all three points. It was a perfect start for Downs who have now taken a massive step towards securing a place in the last 16 of the global showpiece. The Brazilians could have also closed off the game after a couple of good breakaway situations but they were not clinical in front of goal. In the end, Rayners' goal proved to be the difference in the hard-fought encounter. ALSO READ: OPINION: Club World Cup exposes growing gap in global football The result means that the Betway Premiership champions are at the top of Group F with three points after Borussia Dortmund and Fluminense played to a goalless draw in an earlier kick off. Masandawana will next take on German giants Dortmund on Saturday in a match that will be played at the TQL Stadium in Cincinnati.
