Ronwen Williams' howler is one of the major talking points of Mamelodi Sundowns' defeat

Borussia Dortmund rebounded from an early setback to secure a 2-1 victory over Mamelodi Sundowns FC, claiming their first win in Group F of the FIFA Club World Cup 2023.

The match kicked off with an unexpected twist; Sundowns’ Brazilian sensation, Lucas Ribeiro, put the South African side ahead just minutes into the game.

In a moment that all young footballers dream of, Ribeiro received the ball at midfield, deftly evaded a defender and raced past another, before elegantly finishing past Dortmund's goalkeeper, Gregor Kobel.

The goal sent the Sundowns fans into a frenzy, as their team appeared to have rattled the highly regarded Bundesliga outfit early on.

However, Dortmund, known for their resilience and attacking prowess, quickly regrouped.

The German side’s coaching staff must have lit a fire beneath their players during the interval, as they displayed a determined front after the initial shock.

Within minutes of conceding, Dortmund began to carve out opportunities, capitalising on their superior fitness and technical skills to dominate possession and run up a 4-1 lead.

Sundowns finished strongly with two goals in the second half to close out the final scoreline at 4-3.

Here are some of the talking points of the game.

1 Williams’ howler

A glaring blunder by Sundowns’ goalkeeper Williams proved to be a turning point, raising questions about its impact on the team’s momentum and confidence.

From the outset, Sundowns displayed confidence and determination, showcasing their attacking prowess and creating a flurry of scoring opportunities.

The early goal sent a ripple of excitement through the stands and provided a foundation upon which the team could build.

Yet, as the clock ticked on, Walker's fateful misstep would soon eclipse their bright beginning. He gifted the ball with a 'no-look' pass to Dortmund midfielder Felix Nmecha, who calmly equalised.

2 A tale of two continents 

The game served as a poignant reminder of one fundamental area where the top teams in Europe consistently excel over those in Africa: efficiency.

While the Brazilian squad showcased their trademark flair, creating numerous opportunities to score, they struggled to capitalise, managing to convert only one goal due to indecision and a lack of sharpness in their final touches.

Meanwhile, the German side demonstrated a stark contrast, converting their chances seamlessly and demonstrating a clinical finish that is often the hallmark of successful teams. This disparity highlights an enduring challenge in South African football.

Despite an abundance of creativity and technical skills among South African players, the inability to effectively finish opportunities, execute precise crosses, and deliver accurate passes has begun to haunt the beautiful game on the continent.

3 Bright prospects for Sundowns on the international stage

Sundowns secured a narrow 1-0 victory over Ulsan Hyundai of South Korea in their opening match, leaving the team with a renewed hope of progressing to the knockout stages of the tournament.

As they prepare for a crucial clash against Brazil’s Fluminense, Dortmund coach Niko Kovac said Sundowns have the potential to seize the moment and advance further.

He was so impressed with Sundowns despite having defeated the side 4-3. He said: "The determination and skill shown in the first two matches are commendable.

If they maintain this momentum and adapt to Fluminense's style, the opportunity for them to progress is right there." His remarks reflect the optimism surrounding Sundowns as they navigate the complexities of international competition.