Miguel Cardoso's head on the line as Mamelodi Sundowns bow out of the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup after draw with Fluminense

Mamelodi Sundowns and Fluminense were struggling to breach each other between the two defences in this 2025 FIFA Club World Cup Group F match at Hard Rock Stadium on Wednesday.

The game ended goalless and it condemned Masandawana out of the tournament, as they recorded a win, a defeat, and a draw.

The Tshwane giants ended this competition on position three in Group F with four points, while Borussia Dortmund and Fluminense progressed to the knockouts.

Sundowns' exit completed a clear-out of African teams from this tournament as they all head home after none reached the Last-16.

No player made a major impact in this encounter, but Fluminense's Rene was solid at the back.

The Brazilian side's solidity at the back was what frustrated Sundowns and earned them a knockout spot.

After losing the final of the Caf Champions League earlier this month, the Sundowns have been found wanting at the Club World Cup.

It is a period they might have to reflect on and swallow the reality that they are not yet at the highly competitive level they intend to reach.

This could prove to be complicated for coach Miguel Cardoso's future at the club.

Masandawana head back home after concluding what was their second appearance at the Club World Cup.

They are back home at a time when some of their Premier Soccer League rivals have kicked off pre-season training.

Fluminense, on the other hand, prepare to face the winner of Group E.