In the eyes of football critics, Mamelodi Sundowns might look like underdogs against Borussia Dortmund.
But the Betway Premiership champions have what it takes to match the German outfit, whom they are meeting in the second game of the FIFA Club World Cup currently underway in the US.
The Brazilians face Dortmund on Saturday, June 21, at the QTL Stadium in Cincinnati. And Sundowns’ Divine Lunga is positive that they will get some positive results.
Wary of Dortmund
“Everyone in the camp is aware of what Dortmund are capable of. And as a club we also respect them. But we are not going to extend that into the field of play.
As a club representing the country and the African continent, we have a dignity to protect. And it is for this reason that we are going to match them for the vital three points at stake,” said Lunga. He started in Sundowns’ first XI, which won 1-0 against the South Korean club Ulsan Hyundai in their opening Group F encounter in South Africa’s wee hours of Wednesday.
Dortmund, who are Germany Football League’s Bundesliga champions, did not impress in their opening match. They played to a goalless draw against Fluminence in the early hours of Wednesday morning.
Sundowns, who are currently on top of Group F in this competition, travelled to Cincinnati. That is the most populous city in America’s Ohio.
Tough match ahead
This will at least give them enough time to acclimatise and rest before they can prepare for the tough match ahead. The match is scheduled for 2.30pm (12 midnight, South African time).
Sundowns on Wednesday morning put up a valiant fight to defeat Ulsan Hyundai FC 1-0. This was in their Fifa Club World Cup opening match.
The Inter & Company Stadium in Orlando, US, hosted the match early on Wednesday.
Iqraam Rayners scored a beautiful goal in the 36th minute to give the Brazilians victory in the first Group F match of this prestigious tournament.
