STATS: Was Teboho Mokoena robbed of Player of the Match Award?

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From ball recoveries to key passes and relentless pressing, Mokoena dominated several phases of play.

In Mamelodi Sundowns’ hard-fought 1-0 win over Ulsan, Teboho Mokoena once again showed why he’s a midfield maestro. While Iqraam Rayners grabbed the headlines with the match-winning goal and the Player of the Match accolade, the stats tell a deeper story—one that puts Mokoena at the heart of the action.

From ball recoveries to key passes and relentless pressing, Mokoena dominated several phases of play. The data paints a picture of a player who didn’t just participate—he orchestrated. His work rate and tactical intelligence were unmatched, making him the engine behind Sundowns’ success.

Yes, goals win games, and Rayners’ strike was crucial. But football is more than just the final touch. It’s about the grind, the graft, and the glue that holds the team together. Mokoena was that glue.

Iqraam Rayners
Player of the Match: Iqraam Rayners

STEVE KOMPHELA QOUTE ON STATS

As Steve Komphela once quipped, “Statistics are like a bikini; what they reveal is suggestive, but what they conceal is vital.” And in this case, the stats suggest Mokoena deserved more than just a pat on the back—he deserved the spotlight.

With the rise of player data analysis, FIFA spotlighted 15 key aspects of the game, recognizing top performers in each category. Teboho Mokoena’s stats stood out across the board, revealing him as the match’s unsung hero—one whose impact arguably merited the Player of the Match award.

Teboho Mokoena – Stats Breakdown

Attempts at Goal: 4 out of 14 – 28.57% of the team’s total

Completed Line Breaks: 26 out of 136 – 19.12% of the team’s total

Attempted Line Breaks: 34 out of 176 – 19.32% of the team’s total

Passes: 97 out of 742 – 13.07% of the team’s total

NEXT MATCH AND WHERE TO WATCH

Mamelodi Sundowns next game of Group F at the FIFA Club World Cup is against Borussia Dortmund in Cincinnati on Saturday and Mokoena is expected to continue with his exploits.

Carling AND Sundown
Propaganda a pub in Pretoria will host a public viewing of the Sundowns v Dortmund match
<!-- Author Start -->Willis Sob<!-- Author End -->

Willis Sob

Author

Willis Sob is an experienced journalist who has been in the game since 2009, covering major assignments around the continent.
His hunger for African football is unmatched, always getting the best angles and facts to feed the fans and quench their thirst.