The weight to deliver Africa’s first win at the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup has been placed on Mamelodi Sundowns and Morocco’s Wydad after Tunisian side Esperance recorded the continent’s first defeat in a 2–0 loss to Flamengo.
Following Al Ahly’s scoreless draw against Inter Miami on the opening day, the hope for Africa’s first win at the expanded World Cup was left to the Tunisian giants, but they could not deliver.
Esperance employed a cautious approach but failed to contain Flamengo, who were forceful from the start.
It took Flamengo 19 minutes to breach the Esperance defence, allowing Giorgian De Arrascaeta to finish off a well-executed team goal.
The game was put to bed in the 70th minute when Flamengo scored their second through Luis Araújo after receiving a pass from Jorginho.
Focus will now shift to Sundowns, who will take to the pitch against South Korean side Ulsan Hyundai at midnight.
Sundowns are making a comeback at the tournament for the first time in nine years. They will be looking forward to marking their return with a win.
Sundowns will be looking to put behind the disappointment of losing the Champions League to Egyptian side FC Pyramids last month.
Moroccan giants Wydad Casablanca will also be in action on Wednesday when they take on Manchester City at 6:00 PM CAT at Lincoln Financial Field. Wydad are in a challenging Group G alongside Juventus and Al Ain of the United Arab Emirates and will aim to kick off their campaign with a victory.
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