Mamelodi Sundowns’ Club World Cup campaign ended in disappointment after a goalless draw with Brazil’s Fluminense on Wednesday night at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami, Florida.

Despite demonstrating tactical discipline and several promising moments, the 0-0 stalemate left Sundowns third in Group F and eliminated them from the knockout stages.

Yet their journey featured a remarkable comeback earlier in the tournament. In their opening fixture, Sundowns secured a historic 1-0 victory over Ulsan Hyundai – their first ever win at the Club World Cup – thanks to a composed finish by striker Iqraam Rayners. Rayners went on to further underline his impact on the global stage by scoring again against Borussia Dortmund, emerging as the team’s standout performer.

Against Fluminense, Lucas Ribeiro tested the goalkeeper with an early shot from outside the box, but his effort was comfortably held. Sundowns dominated possession—spurred on by their confidence from the Ulsan result—and fashioned several clear openings. Tashreeq Matthews saw his one-on-one effort palmed away, while Divine Lunga’s low drive after a Themba Zwane assist was hacked off the line. Khuliso Mudau also produced a vital headed clearance shortly after the 20-minute mark to preserve parity.

After the cooling break, Fluminense threatened briefly, their attempt skimming wide, but Sundowns remained in control of the game’s tempo. The second half brought an early Lucas Ribeiro corner that flew over everyone, and in the 58th minute Fluminense rattled the woodwork. Substitute Mosa Lebusa then produced a crucial sliding tackle inside the 70th minute to deny another Brazilian chance. In stoppage time, a late Sundowns header was scrambled clear, but neither side could find a breakthrough.

While their final group result fell short, Sundowns’ opening-match comeback and Rayners’ goal-scoring exploits earned them international respect, underscoring the potential of African clubs on the global stage.

The lessons learned—particularly the importance of clinical finishing and defensive resilience under pressure—will be invaluable as Sundowns regroup and set their sights on future continental and international ambitions.

Starting XI: Williams, Mudau, Cupido, Kekana, Lunga, Mokoena, Allende, Zwane (c), Ribeiro, Rayners, Matthews
Substitutes: Onyango, Pieterse, Khoza, Lebusa, Modiba, Mdunyelwa, Mvala, Morena, Adams, Maema, Mkhulise, Aubaas, Sales, Letlhaku, Shalulile

Mamelodi Sundowns