Africans are not to be underestimated at the FIFA Club World Cup. Tunisian side Esperance defeated Los Angeles last night, and earlier in the tournament, the runner-up from the African continent, Mamelodi Sundowns, beat South Korea’s Ulsan. The Brazilians—as the team from Pretoria is nicknamed—are the champions of South Africa, and today they challenge Borussia Dortmund. The “Millionaires” had a modest start, with a goalless draw against Fluminense, the 2023 South American champions, so a win is crucial if they want to advance to the Round of 16. Group F is considered one of the weakest at this Club World Cup.Mamelodi Sundowns defender Keanu Cupido believes he made the most out of his opportunity against Ulsan HD. The player joined Sundowns from Cape Town City for around R10-million but had struggled with game time.📹 #SABCSport’s @superjourno #SABCSportFootball pic.twitter.com/TFS59vJQW6— SABC Sport (@SABC_Sport) June 21, 2025 Mamelodi Sundowns has grown into a giant of African football. This season, they eliminated the mighty Al Ahly in the Champions League semifinals, but lost the final to Cairo’s Pyramids (1–1 and 2–1 aggregate). Since 2004, the club has been owned by Patrice Motsepe, a South African billionaire and mining magnate, considered one of Africa’s wealthiest men (with an estimated net worth of around 2.5 billion dollars). Motsepe became the president of the Confederation of African Football (CAF) in 2021 and formally transferred ownership of the club to a family trust—but he still effectively steers the club’s direction. In their FIFA tournament debut, they beat Ulsan 1–0 thanks to a goal from Iqraam Rayners. Goalkeeper Ronwen Williams shone in that match.CWC: Africa strikes back and wins for the second timeOn the other hand, Dortmund had a turbulent season that ended successfully with Champions League qualification via the Bundesliga. But at the FIFA competition they managed a lucky draw and must win today in order to progress. But the problem the Germans and all Europeans are facing are high temperatures. In Cincinnati, Ohio, the temperature is expected to reach 32°C, which certainly favors the South African champions, who have had no domestic rivals for years.“For spectators, it’s extremely hot—and you can imagine how hard it is for the players. That’s 32 degrees in the shade, so you can assume it’s four or five degrees hotter in the sun. These aren’t excuses—just an explanation. It’s especially hard for Europeans. Southern teams can adapt to this weather more easily. Don’t forget to bring sunscreen, a hat, and plenty of water to drink. Everyone on the bench will be exposed to the sun for the duration of the match” said coach Niko Kovač to the reporters.FIFA CLUB WORLD CUP 2025Matchday 2SaturdayLos Angeles – Esperance 0-1 (0-0)/Belaili 70/Bayern – Boca Juniors 2-1 (1-0)/Kane 18, Olise 84 – Merentiel 66/19:00: (9.00) Mamelodi (5.80) Dortmund (1.30)22:00: (1.20) Inter Milan (6.75) Urawa RD (14.0)Sunday00:55: (1.27) Fluminense (5.60) Ulsan (12.0)04:00: (2.15) River Plate (3.35) Monterrey (3.45)19:00: (1.22) Juventus (6.25) Wydad Casablanca (14.0)22:00: (1.22) Real Madrid (6.50) Pachuca (12.0)Monday00:55: (4.10) Salzburg (3.60) Al Hilal (1.88)04:00: (1.05) Man.City (14.0) Al Ain (35.0)***odds are subject to change***
