“We Belonged on That Pitch”: Mamelodi Sundowns Win Hearts in Brave Dortmund Battle

The Scoreline May Read 4-3 to Borussia Dortmund, But For Many South African Football Fans, Mamelodi Sundowns Walked Off That Pitch as Winners.

In a match packed with tension, goals and pride, the Brazilians came heartbreakingly close to pulling off one of the biggest results in the FIFA Club World Cup on Saturday afternoon. Facing the might of Bundesliga giants Borussia Dortmund, Sundowns not only went toe-to-toe with their European counterparts — they scored first, dominated possession at times, and gave every ounce of energy under the Ohio heat at Cincinnati’s TQL Stadium.

A Performance That Earned Global Respect

Miguel Cardoso, who has quickly won over Downs supporters with his tactical bravery, wasn’t celebrating, but he wasn’t disheartened either.

“I feel many emotions at the moment. The first is unhappiness, but not being happy in this case is a sign of how far we’ve come,” said the Sundowns coach. “We competed at the highest level. We made Borussia Dortmund sweat.”

And they did. Lucas Ribeiro gave the South Africans a surprise early lead, stunning the Dortmund defence and putting Mzansi fans in dreamland. But the German side found their rhythm soon after, and what followed was a rollercoaster of goals, drama, and defiance.

Despite Dortmund eventually sealing a 4-3 win, many on social media were quick to point out how Sundowns outplayed their opponents in patches, with local commentators and fans praising their “fearless football” and “African elegance” and many global football fans stating that Dortmund won the match, but won football fans hearts.

Michelle Alozie- Nigerian international, and star of the NWSL’s Houston Dash posted on X : “Sundowns FC–  got a new fan! #FIFACWC, to which Sundowns admin posted: “Welcome to the Yellow Nation!” 

“Shoe Shine and Piano” On the World Stage

Cardoso praised his players not just for the effort, but for how they expressed themselves in a way that felt uniquely South African.

“The possession statistics and expected goals favoured us. We played with identity. This was shoe shine and piano at the highest level,” he said, referencing the club’s distinctive brand of beautiful, flowing football.

It’s not every day that a South African side forces a German powerhouse into a physical, open contest, but Sundowns held nothing back. Even trailing at halftime — a situation Cardoso admitted is unfamiliar territory the squad showed their resilience.

“It was one of the toughest team talks I’ve had to give,” he said. “But the response was there. This group has quality and character.”

What’s Next for the Brazilians?

The loss means Mamelodi Sundowns must now beat Brazil’s Fluminense in their final Group F game to book a spot in the round of 16. It’s a tall order, but based on Saturday’s showing, not impossible.

South African fans, from Johannesburg to Limpopo, are rallying behind the team, many saying this is a turning point for club football in the country.

“Win or lose, this is what belief looks like,” one supporter posted on X.

As the Club World Cup rolls on, the Brazilians have already made their mark. And if this performance is anything to go by, the world might want to start taking African club football a lot more seriously.

Source:Sabc Sport

Read more: “We Take Risks”: Ronwen Williams Reflects on Costly Error in Dortmund Clash

Follow Joburg ETC on Facebook, Twitter , TikTok and Instagram

For more News in Johannesburg, visit joburgetc.com