Mamelodi Sundowns succumbed to their first FIFA Club World Cup loss, falling 4-3 in a goal-laden encounter against Borussia Dortmund with Ronwen Williams making huge blunder in the first half.
Miguel Cardoso rotated his squad slightly after their Ulsan HD win, with former Dortmund player Tashreeq Matthews earning a start and Arthur Sales moving to the bench.
The Brazilians wasted no time, taking an early lead through Lucas Costa Ribeiro, who produced a moment of individual brilliance by racing from his own half to slot home.
Their lead was fleeting, though, as Dortmund equalized just minutes later. A significant miscue from Ronwen Williams saw the ball fall directly to Lukas Nmecha, who made no mistake in firing into an unguarded net.
The Bundesliga outfit then seized control, completing their turnaround in the 34th minute when Julian Brandt's precise byline cross was powerfully headed in by Serhou Guirassy.
The momentum continued with Dortmund's third goal, as Jobe Bellingham, on his first start, volleyed home clinically after Williams had parried Brandt's initial cross.
Masandawana began the second half with renewed vigour, Teboho Mokoena's free-kick narrowly missing the mark. However, Dortmund struck again ten minutes into the half, an unfortunate own goal by Khuliso Mudau from Daniel Svensson's cross extending their lead.
Sundowns showed their fighting spirit, pulling a goal back in the 62nd minute through Iqraam Rayners, who reacted quickest to a rebound from a Mokoena free-kick to bag his second tournament goal.
Lebo Mothiba opens his Sundowns account
Cardoso then made a triple substitution, introducing Jayden Adams, Thapelo Morena, and Arthur Sales. The South African champions continued their late charge, with substitute Lebo Mothiba scoring his first club goal in the final minute from close range.
Despite this late flurry, the European giants managed to cling on for their crucial first victory of the competition.
Next up: Fluminense
After taking three points from their first two games at the Club World Cup, the result of the Sundowns' next match will ultimately determine whether or not they progress beyond the group stage.
That match is against Fluminense on Wednesday night.
The Brazilian side will start as favourites — check out the best Betway Sign-Up Code if you are considering placing a bet — against the South Africa team nicknamed the Brazilians.
But Miguel Cardoso's men have already proved that they should not be underestimated.
