Mamelodi Secures Historic Victory Against Ulsan in Orlando

Mamelodi Sundowns achieved a historic milestone, securing their inaugural victory at the FIFA Club World Cup (CWC) with a narrow 1-0 triumph over Ulsan HD in Orlando. This defeat marks a troubling trend for Ulsan, who have now lost eight of their last nine encounters against international teams.

Ulsan entered the match with hopes that their previous experiences in the CWC, having participated in 2012 and 2020, would give them an edge.

However, it was Sundowns who made the livelier start, almost taking the lead in the 29th minute when Iqraam Rayners directed a corner into the net at the near post.

Unfortunately for the Sundowns, the goal was disallowed after a VAR review determined that Rayners had used his hand for the final touch.

Just seven minutes later, Rayners did find the back of the net, racing onto a clever through ball from Lucas Ribeiro and finishing brilliantly into the bottom-left corner with the outside of his right foot.

Ulsan nearly levelled right before half-time; Seong-Beom Ko’s looping shot towards the top-right corner was remarkably cleared off the line by Divine Lunga.

The second half began with minimal action in front of goal, the best opportunity arising eight minutes after the restart when Ribeiro attempted to curl a shot into the far top-left corner, only for an Ulsan defender to produce a brilliant block.

As the half progressed, Ulsan’s hopes of equalising began to dwindle, with Sundowns appearing to dominate as the match approached the final ten minutes.

Although Ulsan applied some late pressure, Sundowns held their ground, securing an important victory that places Miguel Cardoso’s squad at the top of Group F, following a goalless draw between Dortmund and Fluminense earlier in the day.

On the other hand, Ulsan now faces a daunting challenge if they wish to progress from the group, currently sitting at the bottom in fourth place.

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