Iqraam Rayners, Serhou Guirassy crucial to Mamelodi Sundowns and Borussia Dortmund fortunes in Club World Cup clash

After a stellar opening match in which Mamelodi Sundowns scored a landmark victory against South Korea’s Ulsan Hyundai, going up against the Bundesliga giants Borussia Dortmund is a different beast entirely.

In tonight’s Fifa Club World Cup Group F match at the TQL Stadium in Cincinnati, Ohio (6pm SA time kick-off), Sundowns play Dortmund, who are strong contenders in this tournament.

Yet their initial outing against Brazil’s Fluminense left much to be desired.

Held to a frustrating goalless draw, the Germans struggled to find their rhythm, prompting criticism since much more was expected from a team with such an attacking pedigree.

Dortmund coach Niko Kovac acknowledged the team’s lacklustre performance, suggesting that they were lucky to escape without a loss.

Kovac will be pinning his victory hopes on the German club’s star striker, Serhou Guirassy.

The French-born forward, who dons the colours of the Guinea national team, has emerged as a pivotal figure in Dortmund’s attacking line this season.

Despite a frustrating outing against Fluminense, where he failed to convert multiple chances, Guirassy’s presence on the pitch is nothing short of formidable.

At 29, Guirassy is not only a towering figure, but a versatile striker known for his lethal finishing, aerial prowess, and remarkable physical strength.

His ability to wreak havoc on opposition defences marks him as a critical target for Sundowns’ defenders.

With an impressive tally of 21 goals from 30 Bundesliga appearances in the 2024/25 season, his confidence and hunger to score after recent missed opportunities are palpable.

Against Fluminense in their Group F opening match, Guirassy was a constant threat, showcasing his skill.

However, his inability to find the net left the striker eager for redemption against Sundowns.

“I want to make amends and ensure my team gets the result we need,” he said, as he targets a stronger performance this time.

Sundowns’ Zimbabwean defender Divine Lunga will no doubt be charged with marking Guirassy.

After his sterling performance against Ulsan, Lunga was the only African to be named in the Club World Cup Team of the Week.

Dortmund will be aware of Iqraam Rayners, the Sundowns striker who marked his arrival on the global stage by clinching a goal and the Player of the Match award against Ulsan.

The 29-year-old Rayners not only secured a 1-0 victory for his team, but also solidified his reputation as a key player to watch as the tournament progresses.

Since joining the reigning PSL champions from Stellenbosch FC at the start of the season, he has been in remarkable form.

With aspirations of securing a move to Europe, every match at the Club World Cup presents an opportunity for him to demonstrate his prowess to potential suitors.

He closely contended for the Premiership Golden Boot, only narrowly losing out to his teammate, Lucas Ribeiro Costa, underscoring his goal-scoring ability.

Rayners emphasised the importance of capitalising on every opportunity on the pitch in their next match today.

“Every game will be special for us. We are playing against big teams in this tournament,” he stated.

“I believe we will reach the second phase; we just need to take it one game at a time. Focus is key, and whatever happens in the next match happens, but I think we can go through.”

As Sundowns look to balance their domestic ambitions against the allure of international success, Rayners’ performances will be under scrutiny, particularly regarding the club's willingness to let their star striker leave if European interests emerge.

The upcoming match against Dortmund is pivotal, not just for the team’s progress in the tournament, but also for Rayners’ career trajectory.

A stand-out performance could further enhance his profile, serving as both a testament to his development and a significant step towards potential opportunities in European leagues.