Mamelodi Sundowns crashed out of the FIFA Club World Cup after drawing 0-0 with Brazil's Fluminense at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami. The South African team needed a win to advance but could not find the back of the net during 90 minutes of play. The result left Sundowns third in their group and eliminated from the knockout rounds. Fluminense defended well and created several scoring opportunities of their own.
Lucas Ribeiro fired the first shot for Sundowns but the Fluminense goalkeeper made a strong save. Tashreeq Matthews missed a clear chance when the keeper blocked his close-range effort. Divine Lunga nearly scored after receiving a pass from captain Themba Zwane on the left side. Fluminense defenders cleared the ball away before Lunga could finish the play. Khuliso Mudau helped keep Sundowns level with an important defensive header after 20 minutes.
Fluminense hit the crossbar during the second half and came close to scoring multiple times. Substitute Mosa Lebusa made a crucial sliding tackle to prevent a Brazilian goal near the 70th minute. Both teams created late chances but neither could break the deadlock. The draw ended Sundowns' hopes of reaching the tournament's next stage. The South African champions return home after their first Club World Cup appearance since the competition expanded.
Lucas Ribeiro fired the first shot for Sundowns but the Fluminense goalkeeper made a strong save. Tashreeq Matthews missed a clear chance when the keeper blocked his close-range effort. Divine Lunga nearly scored after receiving a pass from captain Themba Zwane on the left side. Fluminense defenders cleared the ball away before Lunga could finish the play. Khuliso Mudau helped keep Sundowns level with an important defensive header after 20 minutes.
Fluminense hit the crossbar during the second half and came close to scoring multiple times. Substitute Mosa Lebusa made a crucial sliding tackle to prevent a Brazilian goal near the 70th minute. Both teams created late chances but neither could break the deadlock. The draw ended Sundowns' hopes of reaching the tournament's next stage. The South African champions return home after their first Club World Cup appearance since the competition expanded.
