Dortmund Edge Sundowns in Seven-Goal Showdown as Jobe Bellingham Shines
Wafricnews - June 22, 2025
In a breathtaking Club World Cup encounter, Borussia Dortmund survived a fierce challenge from South Africa’s Mamelodi Sundowns, securing a 4-3 victory that had fans on edge from start to finish at the TQL Stadium in Cincinnati.
Making his first start for Dortmund, 18-year-old Jobe Bellingham announced his arrival in style, scoring his debut goal for the German giants just weeks after joining from Sunderland – and following the footsteps of his elder brother, Jude.
But it wasn’t smooth sailing for the Bundesliga side, as CAF powerhouse Sundowns struck first, with Brazilian attacker Lucas Ribeiro slicing through midfield to slot home a sensational solo goal just 11 minutes in. Dortmund manager Niko Kovac had warned about the sweltering American heat possibly favouring teams from the “south,” and Sundowns’ opener seemed to back that claim.
Still, the resilience of Dortmund shone through. A costly blunder by Sundowns keeper Ronwen Williams gifted Felix Nmecha an easy equaliser, and momentum quickly shifted. Serhou Guirassy rose to the occasion with a towering header after a high press from Dortmund forced a turnover, putting them 2-1 ahead.
Just before half-time, the moment belonged to young Jobe Bellingham. Lurking at the edge of the box, he coolly controlled a rebound off his chest before blasting the ball into the net — a finish he revealed was the result of years of dedicated practice.
“I’ve practised that so many times, during and after training, even as a kid at Sunderland,” said Bellingham. “Scoring’s a nice bonus, but there’s a lot I need to work on. The most important thing is that we got the win.”
Dortmund fans serenaded the teen star with a twist on the Beatles’ classic: “Hey Jobe” – a tribute once reserved for Jude during his Dortmund days.
Despite trailing 3-1 at the break, the ever-determined Sundowns were not ready to bow out. A Kuliso Mudau own goal extended Dortmund’s lead to 4-1, but the South African champions roared back. Iqraam Rayners, ever opportunistic, followed up his own header off the post to make it 4-2. Then, in the dying moments, Lebo Mothiba struck to cut the gap to one.
With six minutes of added time, the match turned tense. But Dortmund held firm to bag all three points and climb to the top of Group F, having drawn their opening fixture against Fluminense.
Sundowns coach Miguel Cardoso lauded his players despite the defeat:
“This wasn’t the result we wanted, but what a game of football. We faced a top-level side and went toe-to-toe. I’m not happy, but I’m extremely proud of these boys.”
The result puts Sundowns in a delicate position ahead of their final group match, while Dortmund now eye a semifinal berth with renewed confidence.
Meanwhile, Group F action continues later with Fluminense facing Ulsan HD at the MetLife Stadium in New Jersey.
By Wafricnews Sport Desk.
By Wafricnews Sport Desk.
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