Borussia Dortmund coach Niko Kovac: We were not at our best against Sundowns

The German giants found themselves a goal down after just 11 minutes as Lucas Ribeiro broke through the Dortmund defence to fire past Gregor Kobel.

But an error by Downs stopper Ronwen Williams gifted Felix Nmecha an equaliser five minutes later, while a loss of possession by Teboho Mokoena saw Serhou Guirassy put Dortmund ahead just past the half hour mark, with a towering back-post header.

Jobe Bellingham scored on his first start for his new team on the stroke of half-time with a composed finish, while Khuliso Mudau was unfortunate to deflect a 50th minute cross past Williams and into his own net to seemingly put the result beyond doubt.

But the Brazilians were back in the tie when Iqraam Rayners expertly headed home his own rebounded effort from a teasing Mokoena delivery, as a late Lebo Mothiba goal ensured a tense final few minutes for Kovac's charges.

The sun was blazing down on the players throughout the match, with the Dortmund substitutes opting to watch the first half from the comfort of their air-conditioned dressing room.

Speaking after the game, an exhausted Kovac explained that the conditions were not something his players are used to.

He said on IOL: "I'm sweating like I've just come out of a sauna.

"It was tough going for both teams, but the opposition are used to it. We certainly didn't give our best performance, but that wasn't possible today."

A number of teams have complained about the heat during the tournament while at least three games have been delayed due to concerns over adverse weather conditions around their respective venues.

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