Mokwana, Mailula, Lorch step up as Africa falls short on global stage

THE 2025 Fifa Club World Cup arrived with much promise for African football, particularly for South Africa as Mamelodi Sundowns carried the hopes of the nation onto the global stage.

- OBAKENG MELETSE

Alongside them stood continental heavyweights Al Ahly, Wydad Athletic Club, and Esperance de Tunis — four clubs that have dominated African football over the past decade.

However, the group stage brought a harsh reality.

None of the four African sides progressed to the round of 16, and while there were moments of quality, the early exits laid bare the concerning gap between Africa’s best and the rest of the world.

It was a tournament that underlined how far African clubs still have to go to match their counterparts in Europe, South America, and parts of Asia.

Yet within the overall disappointment, there were bright sparksnone more so than Sundowns.

The Premiership champions stood out as the most competitive African side, finishing with four points from their three matches.