In an exciting match that ended with a close 4-3 loss, Mamelodi Sundowns battled hard, but Borussia Dortmund came from behind to defeat the South African side in their first win at the Club World Cup.

Fresh off their victory against Ulsan HD, Sundowns startled the Bundesliga squad by scoring first in only 11 minutes. Lucas Ribeiro gently slid the ball beyond Gregor Kobel and skillfully navigated defenders.

Dortmund quickly recovered, equalising five minutes later. Goalkeeper Ronwen Williams made a mistake by mispassing to Felix Nmecha, who easily scored into an empty net.

The equaliser boosted Dortmund’s confidence and exposed Sundowns’ weaknesses in playing from the back. Dortmund pressured Sundowns’ right side, and on 34 minutes, Julian Brandt delivered a cross that Serhou Guirassy headed in to make it 2-1.

Things got worse for Sundowns just before halftime. Jobe Bellingham, making his debut, scored with a volley after collecting Williams’ punched clearance, giving Dortmund a 3-1 lead.

Sundowns came back with more energy in the second half. Tebogo Mokoena nearly scored from a free-kick, hitting the side-netting. But Sundowns fell further behind when Khuliso Mudau accidentally headed Daniel Svensson’s cross into his net.

Instead of giving up, Sundowns fought back. Just three minutes later, Mokoena hit the post from a set-piece, and Iqraam Rayners quickly scored from the rebound, marking his second goal in the competition.

Substitute Lebo Mothiba scored for Dortmund in the 90th minute from a cross by Jayden Adams, helping them secure their first points of the campaign.

In the group stage, all four teams remain in contention after Fluminense’s draw with Ulsan. Sundowns need to beat Fluminense to improve their chances of advancing, while Dortmund faces winless Ulsan.

African supporters still have hope for the quarter-finals, but Sundowns must enhance their defence to minimise mistakes.