Jobe Bellingham scored his first goal for Borussia Dortmund on his maiden start for the club as BVB came from behind to beat Mamelodi Sundowns 4-3 in their second Group F fixture at the FIFA Club World Cup, edging them closer to a place in the last 16.

Mamelodi Sundowns 3-4 Borussia Dortmund
Goals: 1-0 Ribeiro 11’, 1-1 Nmecha 16’, 1-2 Guirassy 34’, 1-3 Bellingham 45’, 1-4 Mudau (o.g.) 59’, 2-4 Rayners 62', 3-4 Mothiba 90'

Victory was not immediately on the cards for Niko Kovač’s side in Cincinnati, Ohio, with former BVB youth player Tashreeq Matthews drawing a save from Gregor Kobel after just five minutes.

The South African side took the lead a short while later, when Lucas Ribeiro danced through Dortmund’s midfield and bore down on Kobel’s goal, with a teammate either side of him, before coolly slotting in for the game’s opener.

Lucas Ribeiro (r.) opened the scoring early on against Borussia Dortmund. - Dylan Buell

BVB had struggled to create chances in their 0-0 draw against Fluminense in their first game, but they were handed a way back here when Sundowns goalkeeper Ronwen Williams misplaced a pass straight to the feet of Felix Nmecha, who rolled into the empty net from close range.

The Sundowns retained a threat on the break, particularly through the pace and trickery of Matthews and Ribeiro, but Dortmund grew into the game and took the lead shortly after the half-hour mark when Serhou Guirassy thundered in a header from Julian Brandt’s cross.

Bellingham gave his new side a two-goal cushion on the stroke of half-time, chesting the ball down after Williams parried Brandt’s cross and then rifling in from the edge of the area.

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Dortmund seemed to lose their composure at the start of the second period, however, with uncharacteristic errors and misplaced passes in defence allowing their opposition to grow in confidence.

Kobel produced another fantastic close-range save to deflect Themba Zwane’s shot onto the bar, before Teboho Mokoena’s 30-yard free-kick grazed the woodwork on its way over moments later.

Any hopes of a Sundowns comeback appeared to to be dashed when Khuliso Mudau inadvertently turned a Daniel Svensson cross into his own net to put Dortmund 4-1 up, but they set up a grandstand finale when Iqraam Rayners headed in from close range.

And when substitute Lebo Mothiba pulled another goal back in the 90th minute, Dortmund faced six nerve-wracking minutes of stoppage time. They held on, however, for a crucial victory that leaves them with one foot in the round of 16.

Match stats

• Dortmund won the 1997 Intercontinental Cup - the Club World Cup's direct predecessor - by beating Brazil's Cruzeiro.
• Kovač also lifted the Intercontinental Cup, after starting the 2001 final for Bayern (1-0 vs. Boca Juniors).
• Bellingham made his Dortmund bow in the section opener against Fluminense. He was named the English Championship's Young Player of the Season in 2024/25.
• The Sundowns are 18-time South African champions and have won the last eight top-flight titles in succession.
• US international Gio Reyna and American youngsters Cole Campbell and Mathis Albert are part of Dortmund's squad.
• Mamelodi were crowned African Champions League winners for the first and only time in 2016. 

Teams

Mamelodi: Williams - Mudau, Kekana, Cupido, Lunga - Allende, Zwane (c) (Letlhaku 86'), Mokoena (Adams 69') - Ribeiro (Sales 69'), Matthews (Morena 69'), Rayners (Mothiba 77')
Unused subs: Onyango, Khoza, Lebusa, Mdunyelwa, Mvala, Modiba, Maema, Aubaas, Mkhulise, Shalulile
Out: -
Coach: Miguel Cardoso

Dortmund: Kobel - Süle (Ryerson 83'), Anton, Bensebaini - Couto, Nmecha (Sabitzer 62'), Groß, Svensson - Bellingham (Beier 83'), Brandt (c) (Chukwuemeka 62') - Guirassy (Adeyemi 90'+2)
Unused subs: Meyer, Mané, Coulibaly, Benkara, Azhil, Reyna, Duranville, Campbell, Inacio, Gittens
Out: Can (adductor), Özcan (knee), Schlotterbeck (knee)
Coach: Niko Kovač

As it happened!

3 - 4

(1 - 3)

Sundowns

FINAL

Dortmund

FIFA Club World Cup
Group F, Matchday 2 Group F, Matchday 2 TQL Stadium, Cincinnati

Full-time: Mamelodi Sundowns 3-4 Borussia Dortmund

Dortmund hang on to their lead in the closing moments for their first win of the Club World Cup in a scintillating encounter with the South African champions. They looked very comfortable after Svensson's cross forced an own goal to make it 4-1 early in the second half, but Sundowns fought back, giving a great account of themselves to make it 4-3 and troubling the German giants in the final few minutes. Ultimately, however, Niko Kovač's men head in at full-time as deserved winners.

© Michael Reaves

Full-time

90'

+ 5

Yellow card

Marcelo Allende

90'

+ 5

Dortmund hanging on

Sundowns have their tails up here as they chase an equaliser, but, as of yet, they haven't managed to truly threaten the Dortmund goal again.

90'

+ 2

Substitution

Karim Adeyemi

Serhou Guirassy

90'

+ 1

Added time

Six additional minutes are indicated.

Substitute Mothiba gets another one back!

Letlhaku dispossesses Ryerson, who attempts a roulette turn inside his own half. The winger proceeds to drive forward and threads the ball into the path of Mothiba, who simply places the ball into the bottom left corner past Kobel. Can Sundowns pull off a remarkable comeback in the dying embers here..?

© Dylan Buell

90'

Lebo Mothiba

GOAL!

3:4

88'

Svensson shoots!

Couto doesn't give up on a high ball over the top and wins it on the edge of the Sundowns box. He crosses towards Beier, who miskicks it, sending the ball into the path of Guirassy. The No. 9 then lays it off for Svensson, who comes charging in to hit it first-time with his right foot, but his effort is blocked by the sea of legs inside the box.

86'

Substitution

Kutlwano Letlhaku

Themba Zwane

85'

Beier booked

The young forward is the latest player to go into the book for a foul on Mudau by the left touchline.

85'

Yellow card

Maximilian Beier

85'

Double change

Süle and Bellingham leave the field to rapturous applause with the both of them having shown really good performances for Dortmund. They're replaced by Ryerson and Beier as Dortmund seemingly switch from a back-three to a back-four.

84'

Substitution

Julian Ryerson

Niklas Süle

84'

Substitution

Maximilian Beier

Jobe Bellingham

83'

Groß looks for Guirassy

The veteran midfielder plays a searching cross towards his No. 9 from a relatively central position. It's a good ball, but Mamelodi manage to head it clear.

Bellingham's first-half strike

The Englishman showed great technique to bring the ball down with his chest before hitting a sweet half-volley which gave Dortmund the lead just before the break.

© FEDERICO PARRA

77'

Substitution

Lebo Mothiba

Iqraam Rayners

77'

Bellingham goes down

The Englishman takes a tumble in the box under the challenge from Cupido and appeals for a penalty, but the referee correctly dismisses the protest.

75'

Cooling break

As in the first half, there is a stoppage whilst the players rehydrate in the sun here in Cincinnati.

73'

Guirassy's shot blocked

Dortmund's No. 9 picks Adams' pocket and drives down the right channel towards the goal. His effort from just inside the box is well hit, but blocked.

71'

Triple change

Sundowns make three consecutive substitutions as they try to find a way back into this one. Goalscorer Ribeiro departs, alongside former Dortmund man Matthews and Mokoena, all to be replaced by Morena, Adams and Sales.

70'

Substitution

Arthur Sales

Teboho Mokoena

70'

Substitution

Thapelo Morena

Lucas Ribeiro Costa

70'

Substitution

Jayden Adams

Tashreeq Matthews

68'

Bensebaini!

Groß takes the set-piece, curling a great ball onto the head of Bensebaini, who guides it towards the bottom left corner. However, Williams is equal to the attempt, getting across to push it behind for a corner.

66'

Matthews booked

The former Dortmund man sees yellow for a late challenge on Süle.

66'

Yellow card

Tashreeq Matthews

64'

First booking

Chukwuemeka gets the first yellow card of the match for a foul on Allende after being on the pitch for a little over a minute.

64'

Yellow card

Carney Chukwuemeka

63'

Substitution

Marcel Sabitzer

Julian Brandt

63'

Substitution

Carney Chukwuemeka

Felix Nmecha

Rayners claws one back!

Ribeiro wins a free-kick just outside the Dortmund penalty area. Mokoena chips it in towards Rayners, who wins the first header, steering it onto the post before following up the rebound and smashing it past Kobel to make it 4-2.

© Michael Reaves

62'

Iqraam Rayners

GOAL!

2:4

Svensson forces the error!

Despite having to endure lots of Sundowns pressure in the early stages of the second half, it's Dortmund who score first in the second 45. Bellingham slips it through for Svensson to chase down the left channel. The Swede's whipped cross comes off Mudau at the near post, steering it past Williams.

© Dylan Buell

59'

Khuliso Mudau

OWN GOAL!

1:4

57'

Mokoena goes for it!

From a Sundowns free-kick about 25 yards from goal, Mokoena opts to shoot, forcing another great save out of Kobel who dives to his right to just tip it over the bar for a corner. Nothing comes of the subsequent set-piece for Mamelodi, however.

55'

Woodwork!

Once again, Sundowns pick up a loose ball in the middle of the park. Allende shoots from the edge of the box, but this time, his shot is blocked. It falls back to the No. 11, who threads it through for Rayners, who has a one-on-one with Kobel, but the Swiss goalkeeper pulls off a remarkable save to tip the forward's effort onto the bar. It wouldn't have counted anyway though, as the assistant had their flag raised.

54'

Allende shoots

Sundowns pounce on a loose ball in the middle and look to launch a quick attack. Ribeiro lays it off to Allende, whose shot is wide of the mark.

51'

Svensson down

The Swedish left-back takes some time getting back to his feet following a challenge from Ribeiro and seems to be in some discomfort, but is continuing for now.

48'

Well over

Guirassy gifts the ball to Sundowns, who launch a quick counter-attack. Matthews plays it across the box from the left, but Ribeiro's attempted shot flies well over the bar and behind for a goal-kick.

47'

Early corner

Groß swings it in from the left towards the six-yard box, but a foul on goalkeeper Williams sees Sundowns given a free-kick.

46'

Back underway!

It's Mamelodi who get the second half up and running again here in Cincinnati.

Kick-off!

2:42

Watch: All of Guirassy's 2024/25 goals

Dortmund's star striker has found the target again today. Check out all of his goals in the Bundesliga last season.

Half-time: Mamelodi Sundowns 1-3 Borussia Dortmund

And breathe! An electric half of football draws to a close with BVB heading in at the break with the lead. Sundowns started very quickly, catching Dortmund by surprise with an opener from Ribeiro, but Nmecha's equaliser followed not long after. Dortmund grew in confidence as the half went on, taking the lead through Guirassy before Bellingham added a third just before the interval.

© FEDERICO PARRA

Half-time

45'

+ 3

Guirassy at the far post

A fantastic cross from Svensson with his weak foot finds Guirassy at the far post, who has a free header, but Williams comes across to parry it clear, denying the Guinean his brace.

Bellingham has his first in a Dortmund shirt!

The 19-year-old makes it three for Dortmund just before half-time. A low, driven cross from Brandt comes in from the right, looking for Guirassy. Williams gets down to punch it clear, but only as far as Bellingham, who chests it down before striking a powerful half-volley past the keeper.

© FEDERICO PARRA

45'

Jobe Bellingham

GOAL!

1:3

43'

Offside

Bellingham launches a counter-attack with a fantastic pass out wide the Brandt on the right. The Englishman continues his run, getting onto the return pass from the No. 10, before trying to make room for a shot which gets blocked before the flag goes up for offside against Bellingham.

39'

In from Allende

An Anton foul gives Mamelodi a free-kick inside the Dortmund half. Allende takes, crossing it into the BVB box, but a Dortmund head is first to it. It drops to Mokoena on the edge of the box, but his venomous follow-up effort is well off target.

Guirassy heads Dortmund into the lead!

He may have had limited chances so far, but one chance is all the Guinean needs! Groß' high-pressing pays off, winning the ball back in the opposition half before playing it to Guirassy. The striker lays it off to Brandt, and makes a darting run towards the back post before leaping to nod home Brandt's lofted ball. A vintage Guirassy header for his first goal of the tournament.

© FEDERICO PARRA

34'

Serhou Guirassy

GOAL!

1:2

Guirassy being tracked

The Mamelodi defence have so far managed to restrict Dortmund's No. 9 to just one chance, which Williams saved well.

© FEDERICO PARRA

31'

Too close to Williams

Groß takes another corner from the left for Dortmund, but his delivery is too close to Williams, who gets up well to pluck it out of the air.

29'

Double chance for Ribeiro

Sundowns' No. 10 once again demonstrates his dribbling ability, shaking his marker before shooting from inside the box. His initial effort is blocked and he hits the follow-up, but it's deflected again, going behind for a corner, upon which Mamelodi don't manage to capitalise.

27'

Drinks break

There's a brief stoppage whilst the players rehydrate in the intense heat in Cincinnati.

Against his former club

Sundowns left-winger Tashreeq Matthews came through at Borussia Dortmund's academy between 2018 and 2020 and was on the books for the 2019/20 Bundesliga campaign, but never made an appearance for BVB. Today, he's caused all sorts of problems for his former club down the flank, so far.

© Dylan Buell

21'

Matthews forces the save

The Mamelodi left-winger looks to play a really threatening low cross towards the far post, but Kobel is alert to the danger, getting down well to swipe it away.

19'

So close for Guirassy

Nmecha sprays the ball out wide for Svensson, who drills a first-time cross into the six-yard box, where Guirassy is arriving. The No. 9 tries to poke it past Williams, but the keeper makes amends for his earlier mistake with a fantastic reflex save to deny the Guinean.

Nmecha punishes Williams!

Now it's Dortmund's turn for the press to pay dividends, as they get high up the pitch, pressurising goalkeeper Williams, who, under pressure, plays the ball straight to Nmecha's feet. Dortmund's midfielder needs only to put it into an empty net to draw his side level.

© FEDERICO PARRA

16'

Felix Nmecha

GOAL!

1:1

Relentless Sundowns press

The Dortmund players have so far struggled to cope with the frantic pace that Sundowns have started with.

© FEDERICO PARRA

Sundowns stun Dortmund!

It's the Group F leaders who draw first blood in Cincinnati. Ribeiro receives a pass from Matthews in the middle, before spinning his marker and driving towards goal with real conviction. It's a three-on-one, but he opts to go it alone, slotting the ball coolly past Kobel to open the scoring.

© Dylan Buell

11'

Ribeiro

GOAL!

1:0

10'

Deep corner

Groß takes it, aiming towards Anton at the back post, who connects with the header, but sends it looping back across goal and over the bar.

9'

In from Svensson

A well-worked move from Dortmund sees Groß slip a delicate ball through to the byline for Svensson to chase. The Swede gets there and fires a low cross in towards the near post, looking for Guirassy, but it's cleared behind for the first corner of the game.

6'

Matthews goes through!

The left-winger latches onto a lofted ball in behind Süle, before outpacing the German defender. The former Dortmund man cuts in and shoots, forcing a decent stop from Kobel before a handball on the rebound gives Dortmund a free-kick.

4'

Miscontrolled

Dortmund take the ball forward and Groß looks to create space for Svensson on the left with a switch of play, but the Swede can't bring the bouncing ball down, which goes out for a Mamelodi throw-in.

2'

Sundowns starting brightly

The South Africans have begun on the front foot and are playing a really high press, which may have caught Dortmund a little by surprise.

1'

And we're off!

Dortmund get the ball rolling here in Cincinnati.

Kick-off!

1:17

Watch: Kobel: "We have to step up our intensity"

Gregor Kobel and Waldemar Anton on what Borussia Dortmund need to do in today's game, following their opening draw against Fluminense a few days ago.

Warm-ups in progress

Gregor Kobel (pictured) was Dortmund's hero in their opening game against Fluminense with a series of fine saves. He's already getting in the groove again today by the looks of things.

© Michael Reaves

The stakes

Dortmund really need to win this game in order to keep alive their hopes of reaching the last 16. With the Sundowns currently top of group F, and Fluminense and Ulsan playing on, BVB could end the day top of the standings - or bottom.

DORTMUND IN THE HOUSE

Karim Adeyemi, who starts on the bench today, and his BVB colleagues arrived at the TQL Stadium in Cincinnati a short while ago.

© Dylan Buell

Sundowns team news

For Mamelodi boss Miguel Cardoso, there's just the one change to the XI that was fielded in Sundowns' opening win against Ulsan. In the forward line, Matthews gets the nod ahead of Sales as the South Africans look to continue their perfect start in Group F against Dortmund.

© IMAGO/Amanda Perobelli

Dortmund team news

Niko Kovač makes three changes to his side that were held 0-0 by Fluminense in their Club World Cup opener. Ryerson, Sabitzer and Adeyemi all drop to the bench, with Couto, Nmecha and Bellingham taking their places in the starting line-up. It's a first start for Bellingham, who came off the bench to make his debut for BVB last time out.

© IMAGO

Sundowns starting XI

Williams - Mudau, Kekana, Cupido, Lunga - Allende, Zwane (c), Mokoena - Ribeiro, Matthews, Rayners

Sundowns subs

Onyango, Khoza, Lebusa, Morena, Mdunyelwa, Mvala, Modiba, Adams, Maema, Aubaas, Mkhulise, Sales, Letlhaku, Mothiba, Shalulile

Dortmund starting XI

Kobel - Süle, Anton, Bensebaini - Couto, Nmecha, Groß, Svensson - Bellingham, Brandt (c) - Guirassy

Dortmund subs

Meyer, Ryerson, Mané, Coulibaly, Benkara, Chukwuemeka, Sabitzer, Azhil, Reyna, Beier, Duranville, Adeyemi, Campbell, Inacio, Gittens

1:55

Watch: Borussia Dortmund gearing up for Mamelodi Sundowns

After an eventful stalemate against Fluminense on Matchday one, Niko Kovač's BVB army turn their attentions to Matchday two against South African side Mamelodi Sundowns.

Kovač wary of Sundowns and Cincinnati sun

"Sundowns are a team that've dominated everything in South Africa in recent years and lost the Champions League final in Africa a few weeks ago," Dortmund's head coach told media on Friday. "They're a team that wants to play attractive football. For us, that means we have to prevent that and need possession. It's going to be really hot tomorrow. And when the sun shines down at 12 noon, you have to make sure you have a lot of possession. If you're chasing the game, it's going to cost you unnecessary energy."

© VOLKER HARTMANN

2:10

Watch: Kehl reflects on opening draw, looks ahead

Speaking to media on Wednesday, Dortmund's sporting director summed up the feeling from the first game: "We would've liked three points but can live with the one. It was important for the group to get a point. It's not always easy to get going in a tournament, and we saw we need to do more. I'm confident we'll show that in the next two games."

Watch: Highlights from Dortmund's opening draw

Bellingham up and running

Having made his Dortmund debut in the second half at the MetLife Stadium, Jobe Bellingham could be handed his first start for his new club this weekend. The likes of Jamie Gittens, Felix Nmecha and Max Beier could also come into the side.

2:21

Watch: Dortmund - match reaction

Kobel admitted BVB will need to up their game against Mamelodi and Ulsan, if they're to secure a top-two finish and reach the round of 16.

Group F latest

Mamelodi are the surprise group leaders after beating Ulsan HD 1-0 in Orlando on Tuesday. Earlier in the day, BVB were indebted to goalkeeper Gregor Kobel for ensuring a share of the spoils in a goalless draw with Fluminense.

© ANGELA WEISS

Welcome!

Borussia Dortmund's second game of Group F at the FIFA Club World Cup is against Mamelodi Sundowns of South Africa in Cincinnati on Saturday. Kick-off is at 12pm local time (6pm CEST). Stay tuned for match build-up, coverage and reaction here.

About the clubs

Borussia Dortmund

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