Do you remember the 2010 World Cup in South Africa? Do you recall the hosts’ opening match against Mexico, the buzzing of the vuvuzelas in a packed stadium in Johannesburg, and Siphiwe Tshabalala’s unforgettable goal? From an impossible angle, he blasted the ball into the top corner, and the English commentator roared: “Goooal Bafana Bafana! This is a goal for South Africa, a goal for all of Africa!”On This Day in 2010 🗓️”Goal for South Africa… Goal for all of Africa…”Tshabalala scores the opening goal of the 2010 World Cup! That commentary. That celebration.pic.twitter.com/OaNaU1PWmZ— Classic Football Shirts (@classicshirts) June 11, 2021 It may not have been quite as spectacular as Tshabalala’s, but another South African has now scored a goal in the opening match of his team’s Club World Cup campaign that is worthy of pride—for South Africa and for the entire continent. Iqraam Rayners will be remembered as the first goalscorer for an African team at a Club World Cup, with his 36th-minute masterpiece securing a 1–0 victory over Ulsan and placing Mamelodi Sundowns atop Group F, ahead of Borussia Dortmund and Fluminense, who played out a goalless draw in their opening match.Full time in Orlando! First game, first #FIFACWC win after a solid team performance! 💪Ulsan HD 0️⃣➖1️⃣ Mamelodi Sundowns (36’ Rayners)#Sundowns #TakeItToTheWorld #AfricaToTheWorld pic.twitter.com/aC0B65i3yE— Mamelodi Sundowns FC (@Masandawana) June 18, 2025 Tshabalala was 26 when he scored that iconic World Cup goal and showed the world that even in regions not traditionally known for footballing greatness, there are players capable of magical moments that smash stereotypes and inspire. The same can now be said of 29-year-old Rayners, who’s been enjoying a footballing renaissance these past two seasons with Stellenbosch and now Mamelodi. He would’ve had a hat trick and shared the tournament’s scoring lead with Jamal Musiala if not for two disallowed goals tonight.What a wild stretch we saw from Mamelodi between the 29th and 39th minutes. First, Rayners’ goal was ruled out for a handball just as the half-hour mark passed. Moments later, Lucas Ribeiro played him through beautifully, and the Sundowns’ hero casually flicked the ball in with the outside of his boot—a touch worthy of a Golden Boot contender. Then he struck again with the same flair, another cheeky outside-foot finish, but that one too was disallowed, this time for a razor-thin offside call.This Goal counts for MAMELODI ⚽Catch the @FIFACWC | June 14 – July 13 | Every game. Free. | https://t.co/i0K4eUtwwb | #FIFACWC #TakeItToTheWorld pic.twitter.com/qf4hrRPlC7— DAZN Football (@DAZNFootball) June 18, 2025 Ulsan had a shot hit the crossbar in the first half and a golden chance in the 81st minute, but if they had grabbed a point, it would’ve felt undeserved. Mamelodi didn’t sit back and defend their narrow lead—they pressed forward, determined to seal the win, and came close to doing so several times in the final ten minutes.Rayners may be the hero, but 33-year-old goalkeeper Ronwen Williams also played a crucial role. He wasn’t overly busy, but his save in the 81st minute from Venezuelan substitute Matias Lacava was top class. It confirmed his reputation back home as the best South African keeper in history—the only man to save four penalties in a single Africa Cup of Nations shootout. He didn’t get a chance to show his penalty-saving skills tonight, but who knows, maybe Mamelodi’s journey will present him the opportunity.DOUBLE SAVE! 🧤🧤Sundowns hold strong to keep the clean sheet alive.💪Watch Ulsan HD vs Mamelodi Sundowns FC on SuperSport / All FIFA Club World Cup games on https://t.co/i0K4eUtwwb #UHDEST pic.twitter.com/nkSG3IjaOB— DAZN Football (@DAZNFootball) June 18, 2025 South American teams remain unbeaten after six games in the tournament, while African clubs have finally scored. After Al Ahly’s goalless draw with Inter Miami and Esperance’s loss to Flamengo, Rayners’ strike brought the first African goal. With Wydad up next against Manchester City, expectations are low, so Rayners’ goal—at least for now—stands as a proud moment for all of Africa.The match started an hour late due to a storm warning. Mamelodi fans had to take shelter in the stadium corridors, but they kept the atmosphere alive with songs, even though the stands were nearly empty. At first, it seemed fewer than 1,000 people would attend, but official reports say 3,412 spectators watched the match.FIFA CLUB WORLD CUP 2025Matchday 1WednesdayUlsan – Mamelodi 0-1 (0-1)/Rayners 36/Monterrey – Inter 1-1 (1-1)/Ramos 25 – Martinez 42/19:00: (1.07) Manchester City (13.0) Wydad Casablanca (25.0)22:00: (1.33) Real Madrid (5.90) Al Hilal (9.50)
