Mamelodi Sundowns put up a gutsy display but succumbed to a disappointing yet hard-fought 4-3 defeat to German Bundesliga outfit Borussia Dortmund during their Fifa Club World Cup Group F encounter at the TQL Stadium in Cincinnati in the US last night.
Masandawana landed the first blow inside 10 minutes through marquee player Lucas Ribeiro’s brilliance, when he dribbled past the Dortmund defenders from his half and found the back of the net.
However, the SA champions’ confidence and celebrations were cut shorter than a mini skirt, as mistakes from the last line of defence saw them concede three goals and they went into the break trailing 3-1.
Miguel Cardoso’s side showed some heart and fighting spirit in the second stanza, when they banged in two goals through striker Iqraam Rayners and Lebo Mothiba late in the game, but it was too little too late.
Speaking to Sunday World at Propaganda Nightclub in Pretoria, where one of Sundowns’ sponsors Carling Black Label hosted a watch party, former Downs defender Tebogo Langerman said the team should forget about progressing in the competition.
He said he did not see how his former side will beat or even get a draw against Brazilian giants Fluminense on Wednesday.
“I don’t see Sundowns beating Fluminense. so they’d have to pack their bags and come back home. Playing Fluminense after a loss will not be easy. They are fresh and have only started their season now. We also saw them against Dortmund in the first game; they looked very fit too.
“But I am very proud of them for how they played because they gave Africa its first win in the Club World Cup and played beautiful football.
“So, take nothing away from the guys, they did well and raised our flag high.”
