Mamelodi Sundowns failed to advance to the knockout stage of the FIFA Club World Cup after a goalless draw against Fluminense in their final Group F encounter.
FIFA Club World Cup
Result: Mamelodi Sundowns 0-0 Fluminense
Date: 25 June 2025
Venue: Hard Rock Stadium
Coach Miguel Cardoso went with the same side that started the loss to Borussia Dortmund on Saturday, although Lebogang Mothiba was not fit enough to make the bench.
Sundowns made the lively start to the encounter and should have been ahead inside the opening ten minutes when Tashreeq Matthews was slipped through on goal, but he was denied by Fluminense shot-stopper Fabio.
The South African champions were moving the ball around quite nicely and were proving to be a real threat with Matthews down the left flank, while Teboho Mokoena and Themba Zwane were also getting a few good touches.
Fluminense started to impose themselves on the game as the first half went on, but they had to wait until the 35th minute for their first big chance as Jhon Arias was slipped in down right of the box but sent his effort inches wide of the upright.
Sundowns were a still a threat on the counter-attack in the latter stages of the first half, but the Brazilian giants did well to thwart every entry into the final third.
Fluminense nearly broke the deadlock ten minutes into the second period when Cano got ahead of Keanu Cupido in the box and sent his first-time volley crashing against the upright.
Cardoso made two changes for Sundowns on the hour mark as Cupido was forced off with an injury and replaced by Mosa Lebusa, while Arthur Sales replaced Matthews in the attack as they pushed for an opening goal.
Sundowns continued to push for the breakthrough but Cardoso made a surprising change with 15 minutes left on the clock as Lucas Costa Ribeiro made way for Peter Shalulile, who was making his first appearance of the campaign.
Fluminense, however, were able to see out the closing stages and secure the point, which was enough to seal their spot in the round of 16 while Sundowns finish the campaign in third position.
Here's how they lined up:
Mamelodi Sundowns: Williams, Mudau, Kekana, Cupido, Lunga, Mokoena, Allende, Zwane, Matthews, Ribeiro, Rayners
Subs: Onyango, Pieterse, Mdunyelwa, Morena, Mvala, Lebusa, Khoza, Aubaas, Mkhulise, Modiba, Letlhaku, Sales, Shalulile
Fluminense: Fabio, Xavier, Ignacio, Freytes, Rene, Hercules, Nonato, Martinelli, Arias, Cano, Canobbio
