Mamelodi Sundowns missed out on a spot in the FIFA Club World Cup last 16 after a goalless draw against Fluminense on Wednesday evening.
Masandawana started the same eleven from the loss to Borussia Dortmund on Saturday, while the Brazilian giants dropped veteran defender Thiago Silva.
Sundowns made a positive start and could’ve gone ahead on seven minutes through a first-time shot from the far side by Tashreeq Matthews, but goalkeeper Fabio was able to palm the effort away.
The latter was called into again in less than a minute when he got down to the near side of his goal-line and smothered a snap shot from Divine Lunga.
Renato Gaucho’s men took a while to get going though eventually launched their first attempt in the midway stage when Inacio headed inches wide from a corner-kick.
Fluminense provided another scare soon after the water-break as Jhon Arias got wide of the six-yard area to get onto a square pass, although he slammed across the face of goal.
With the second half underway, the South African charges made a substitution where Teboho Mokoena made way for Jayden Adams.
Masandawana survived a big scare ten minutes in after German Cano beat Keanu Cupido to a cross at the near post and fired off the outside of the upright.
Cupido unfortunately came off worse from the situation and was unable to continue playing, as he made way for Mosa Lebusa while Arthur Sales was also introduced for Matthews.
As the match wore on, the chances for both teams were reduced with fierce challenges, possession turnovers the order of the day.
However, the intent to go for victory didn’t stop as the two sides went at each other in the final minutes but in the end, it finished goalless as Sundowns had to settle for third spot while Fluminense progress to the round of 16.
Confirmed line-ups:
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
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