Mamelodi Sundowns lost narrowly 3-4 to Niko Kovac’s Borussia Dortmund on their European debut. It was a thrilling game that almost saw the South African side win their first ever Club World Cup match.

It was a half of contrasting emotions, with Sundowns taking a shock lead after just 11 minutes. This came in breathtaking fashion, as a darting run from Lucas Ribeiro Costa split the Dortmund defence and the Brazilian ace kept his cool to net the opener.

However, their joy was short-lived — lasting just five minutes — as a horrifying mistake from Ronwen Williams gifted Felix Nmecha the ball 12 yards from goal. The Dortmund midfielder made no mistake.

The German side completed their comeback before half-time, with Serhou Guirassy heading home at the back post to put his side in the lead. With momentum on their side, BVB added another on the stroke of half-time, with Jobe Bellingham bagging a maiden goal for his new club and taking the game away from Sundowns.

Despite the two-goal deficit, the Sundowns continued to push for a way back into the game. However, much to their frustration, it was Dortmund who scored the fifth goal when Daniel Svensson's cross was deflected into the net by Khuliso Mudau.

However, in keeping with the topsy-turvy nature of the contest, Bafana Ba Style scored once more midway through the second half when Iqraam Rayners scrambled the ball into the back of the net to reduce the deficit to two goals.

Remarkably, Sundowns scored again when a blistering counterattack saw Lebo Mothiba face the goal, setting up a grandstand finish in the Queen City with a class finish.

Ultimately, though, it was Dortmund who reigned supreme. After the disappointment of drawing with Fluminense, this is a welcome result for the Bundesliga team, who now have one foot in the last 16.