Dortmund Edges Mamelodi Sundowns 4-3 in Cincinnati Thriller

Cincinnati, OH– TQL Stadium in Cincinnati witnessed pure footballing poetry as Borussia Dortmund survived a thrilling 4-3 shootout against South African champions Mamelodi Sundowns in what will surely be remembered as one of the most entertaining international friendlies of the year. The seven-goal spectacular showcased the attacking prowess of both sides, with BVB’s European pedigree ultimately prevailing over the Brazilians’ relentless African flair in front of an electrified Ohio crowd. This pulsating encounter not only highlighted the growing global appeal of soccer in American markets but also demonstrated that when two attack-minded teams collide, fans are guaranteed edge-of-your-seat entertainment that transcends continental boundaries.

Dortmund were behind after 11 minutes at the TQL Stadium but rallied to win their second game in Group F and move top of the group with four points, one more than Sundowns.

Felix Nmecha, Serhou Guirassy, and Jobe Bellingham scored for the Bundesliga club, who also profited from an own goal.

While it was Lucas Ribeiro who had given the Sundowns the lead while Iqraam Rayners and Lebo Mothiba scored in the second half as they looked to rally from 4-1 down in a competitive game played in blazing hot conditions with a midday kickoff.

The lead lasted only five minutes before a calamitous error from Sundowns goalkeeper Ronwen Williams, who played a short pass to Nmecha, who had an easy tap-in for the equalizer.

“We weren’t surprised by Sundowns, we expected a strong start from them. But we worked to impose ourselves on the game,” Nmecha said.

Bellingham, in his second appearance for Dortmund, made it 3-1 on the stroke of halftime as Williams parried Brandt’s cross straight at him, and he delayed shooting for a split second before wrong-footing the goalkeeper.

Rayners struck the woodwork for Sundowns 10 minutes into the second half, but at the hour mark, Daniel Svensson’s cross from the left, took a wicked deflection off Sundowns’ fullback Khuliso Mudau extending the lead for Dortmund.

The South African side pulled one back, two minutes later, as Teboho Mokoena’s free kick was floated to Rayners, who struck the foot of the post, but the rebound bounced back onto his head and he made the most of the second opportunity.

Sundowns fought hard but their last goal came in the 90th minute when Lebo Mothiba found the back of the net to pull his side within a goal. However, they couldn’t find another in stoppage time, and BVB would survive the comeback attempt by the Sundowns.

“We take away a feeling of disappointment, but pride also, because we were competitive. I think we earned a lot of respect,” Sundowns coach Miguel Cardoso said.