Mamelodi Sundowns’ FIFA Club World Cup journey came to an end on Wednesday night following a goalless stalemate with Brazilian giants Fluminense at the Hard Rock Stadium.
Nicknamed Bafana Ba Style, Sundowns knew only a win would secure them a spot in the next round, but despite their spirited efforts, they fell short.
Head coach Rulani Mokwena stuck with the same starting lineup that faced Borussia Dortmund, underlining his confidence in the side’s cohesion and recent form.
Right from the opening whistle, Sundowns signaled their intent, dictating possession and pressing high up the pitch. Their attacking rhythm quickly forced veteran Fluminense goalkeeper Fábio, 44, into early action.
He denied Marcelo Allende with a fine save in the fifth minute before keeping out further efforts from Tashreeq Matthews and Devine Lunga in quick succession.
As the first half wore on, Fluminense grew into the contest, gradually finding their rhythm and applying pressure of their own. Jhon Arias came close in the 35th minute but dragged his shot wide after a promising move.
Moments later, Nonato fired from distance, narrowly missing the target in what was the Brazilians’ second big chance.
At halftime, Sundowns made a tactical adjustment, with Jayden Adams replacing the cautioned Teboho Mokoena. The South African champions resumed with their assertive approach, but Fluminense’s defensive resilience kept them at bay.
The best opportunity of the second half fell to Ganso, whose well-timed strike in the 58th minute rattled the woodwork, offering a stark reminder of Fluminense’s threat on the counter.
Miguel Cardoso made an attacking switch, introducing Peter Shalulile for Lucas Ribeiro to bolster the frontline. Despite this, Sundowns couldn’t break through a disciplined Fluminense defense.
In the end, the South American outfit held firm to deny Sundowns the all-important win. With the draw, Sundowns bowed out of the tournament, left to rue missed chances and a valiant but fruitless performance.
