South Africans to the rescue: Brazilians weather VAR storm to secure Africa's first Club World Cup win

South African giants Mamelodi Sundowns made history in Orlando by clinching Africa’s first-ever win at the expanded FIFA Club World Cup. 

After a string of disappointing results for the continent, Esperance’s defeat and Al Ahly’s draw, Sundowns brought hope and celebration to African fans with a hard-fought 1-0 victory over Ulsan HD, powering them to the top of Group F and reigniting dreams of knockout-stage glory.

The match at Inter & Co Stadium was anything but ordinary. A 65-minute weather delay had fans on edge, but once play resumed, Sundowns wasted no time asserting their dominance. 

With fewer than 3,500 spectators braving the elements and empty stands, the South African giants showed their pedigree, controlling possession and dictating the pace from the first whistle.

Iqraam Rayners was the man of the moment. The lively forward had the ball in the net three times in the first half, only to see two efforts chalked off by VAR, one for handball, another for a marginal offside. 

But Rayners would not be denied. In the 36th minute, he latched onto a clever through ball from Lucas Ribeiro, breaking free of the Ulsan defence and finishing coolly with the outside of his right boot to give Sundowns the lead and send their bench into raptures.

The second half was a test of resolve. Ulsan HD, three-time defending K League 1 champions, pushed forward in search of an equaliser, but the Sundowns defence stood tall. 

Goalkeeper Ronwen Williams produced a crucial save ten minutes from time, and centre-back Keanu Cupido was on hand to clear a dangerous rebound, preserving the slender advantage.

For a club that has dominated the South African league for eight straight seasons and recently finished as CAF Champions League runners-up, this was a statement of intent on the world stage.

Sundowns’ victory not only lifts African spirits but also sets the tone for the rest of the tournament. 

With Group F rivals Fluminense and Borussia Dortmund playing to a goalless draw earlier, the Brazilians from Pretoria now sit atop the group, their path to the knockout rounds wide open and their continent behind them.