Mamelodi Sundowns head coach Miguel Cardoso has expressed a mix of disappointment and pride following his team’s valiant performance in their 4-3 loss to Borussia Dortmund at the FIFA Club World Cup in Cincinnati.
“We take away a feeling of disappointment but pride also because we were competitive,” said Cardoso. “I think we earned a lot of respect.”
South African fans and pundits echoed his sentiment, celebrating the spirited fightback from the reigning African champions, who nearly stunned the German giants on the world stage.
Dortmund raced to a 4-1 lead through goals from Felix Nmecha, Serhou Guirassy, Jobe Bellingham, and a Khuliso Mudau own goal. Sundowns had earlier taken the lead via Lucas Ribeiro in the 11th minute but lost control as Dortmund imposed themselves late in the first half.
Despite the deficit, the South African side fought back with late goals from Iqraam Rayners and Lebo Mothiba, pushing Dortmund to the limit in a thrilling seven-goal encounter.
Ernst Middendorp, former Kaizer Chiefs coach, also praised Sundowns’ performance, calling them a benchmark for African football.
“Consistency, ambition, professionalism – that’s Sundowns,” he told Sport1. “They play technically sound, tactically sharp football. They are relentlessly attacking and a team to watch across the entire African continent.”
Sundowns, who stunned Fluminense in their opening match, remain in contention for a knockout stage spot. They face the Brazilian side again on 25 June in a decisive fixture that could define their Club World Cup campaign.
Despite the result, the performance has boosted Sundowns’ international reputation, with many hailing their bold attacking style and fearless approach.
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