Iqraam Rayners scored the only goal of the match to give Mamelodi Sundowns a crucial victory over Ulsan HD in their opening game of the FIFA Club World Cup on Wednesday.
According to Diaspora Digital Media (DDM), the match was held at the Inter & Co Stadium in Orlando, Florida, after a one-hour delay caused by inclement weather.
Despite the delay, Masandawana started with intensity.
Arthur Sales nearly opened the scoring from a tight angle on the left flank, but the goalkeeper denied him.
Ulsan quickly responded with a close-range effort, but it went over the bar.
For the next 20 minutes, both teams traded attacks with no goals.
Rayners came close after squeezing into the box, but his shot rolled inches wide.
Shortly after, he scored from a free-kick, but it was ruled out.
In the 36th minute, Lucas Ribeiro delivered a defense-splitting pass to Rayners, who finished calmly to put Sundowns ahead.
Teboho Mokoena had a chance to double the lead with a powerful free-kick, but the goalkeeper made a diving save.
As halftime approached, Ronwen Williams rushed out to clear a ball but missed it.
Divine Lunga stepped in just in time to clear the danger and preserve the lead.
Sundowns went into the break with a 1–0 advantage.
Ulsan dominated possession in the second half, creating several chances to equalize, but the Sundowns backline held firm.
Rayners nearly added another goal after the hour mark, but a timely tackle dispossessed him at the edge of the box.
Ulsan launched a quick counterattack moments later, but Lunga was alert again, clearing the ball from near the net.
Williams followed up with another crucial save, denying a strong shot from the Korean side.
Sundowns almost scored a second goal, but a poor finish in front of the goal allowed Ulsan to clear.
Another scare followed when Williams failed to block a shot, but Keanu Cupido made a vital clearance.
As the clock ticked down, both sides continued pushing for goals.
Ulsan hoped to find a late equalizer, while Sundowns focused on holding their lead.
Mamelodi Sundowns successfully defended their advantage and became the first team in Group F to record a victory in the tournament.
