Mamelodi Sundowns, the South African giants where Ugandan goalkeeper Denis Onyango plies his trade, made history at the FIFA Club World Cup in the USA this morning.
The Masandawana became the first African team to win a game under the tournament’s new format.
The Sundowns secured a hard-fought 1-0 victory over South Korea’s Ulsan Hyundai, thanks to Iqraam Rayners’ decisive 36th-minute goal at the Inter Miami Stadium in Orlando.
Rayners was on fire, nearly completing a first-half hat-trick.
However, two of his goals were ruled out by VAR, one for a handball in the 29th minute and another for offside in the 39th minute, making his legitimate strike all the more crucial.
While Denis Onyango was an unused substitute in the match, fans are hopeful he will once again guard the goal as the tournament progresses.
Onyango made his FIFA Club World Cup debut with Sundowns back in 2016.
Before Mamelodi Sundowns’ victory, two other African teams had played but failed to claim wins.
Egyptian giants Al Ahly managed a goalless draw against Lionel Messi’s Inter Miami in the opening game on Sunday, while Moroccan powerhouse Esperance lost 2-0 to Brazilian side Flamengo on Tuesday.
This win also marks Sundowns’ first-ever victory at the FIFA Club World Cup, having not won any matches during their previous appearance in 2016.
With three points, Sundowns top Group F.
The group also features Borussia Dortmund of Germany and Fluminense from Brazil, who played out a goalless draw.
The Masandawana’s next challenge will be a stern test as they face Borussia Dortmund on Saturday, June 21, a match that will be a true measure of their ambitions in the tournament.
