Lucas Ribeiro reveals how Mamelodi Sundowns can silence Fluminense in high-stakes Fifa Club World Cup duel - 'We play the exact same as we play in South Africa'

Mamelodi Sundowns forward Lucas Ribeiro has stressed that the Premier Soccer League champions must stick to their playstyle when they take on Fluminense in the Fifa Club World Cup on Wednesday.

Masandawana and the Brazilian side meet in a do-or-die Group F game, and Ribeiro insists that what is important is for Downs to stick to their style of play.

“For me, it’s a special game; it’s the first time to play this team from Brazil. We’re playing to win this game—it will be a very difficult game like the Dortmund one also,” the PSL 2024/25 top scorer said, as per iDiski Times.

“But the team is relaxed; it’s not too much pressure in their minds—the level is very high here, and the players are very focused for this game," he added.

“For me, the most important thing is we play exactly as we play in South Africa; we don’t come here to change; we play—you see? So, I’m very happy with my team.

“I have the confidence at all times, but I am very happy that I scored the goal (against Dortmund) and gave an assist for Iqraam [Rayners] to score, but I don’t speak about myself but about the group; we played very well, we fought together."

To reach the Round of 16, Masandawana need to win because this will help them leapfrog Fluminense and finish second. Meanwhile, a draw will be enough for the Brazilian outfit to progress.

The Tshwane giants carry Africa's dream at the tournament after Esperance, Wydad AC, and Al Ahly were eliminated.

They need to draw plenty of courage from how they performed against Borussia Dortmund despite the defeat. Downs took the lead and conceded an equaliser after a costly error by Ronwen Williams.

However, they were not discouraged as the Mzansi heavyweights kept pushing Dortmund, who eventually claimed a 4-3 win.

Ribeiro, who scored the opening goal against Dortmund after a brilliant individual run, is expected to lead Masandawana's attacking line once more.

Sundowns and Fluminense will clash at the Hard Rock Stadium, while Ulsan and Dortmund battle it out at TQL Stadium.