Mamelodi Sundowns face a do-or-die encounter against Brazilian champions Fluminense on Wednesday as they look to salvage their FIFA Club World Cup campaign.
This pivotal final group stage match comes as two other African representatives, Morocco’s Wydad Athletic Club and Egypt’s Al Ahly, have already exited the tournament.
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This leaves Sundowns and Tunisia’s Esperance de Tunis as the sole African clubs still in contention for a spot in the knockout rounds.
Sundowns’ Uphill Battle After Dortmund Thriller
Sundowns’ path to the knockout stages became significantly harder after a thrilling 4-3 defeat to Borussia Dortmund on Saturday evening. The South African heavyweights initially took the lead through Ribeiro Costa, but a costly goalkeeping error from Ronwen Williams allowed Dortmund to equalize.
The German side then capitalized, with an unfortunate own goal from Khuliso Mudau contributing to their commanding lead. Despite a late fightback from Sundowns with goals from Iqraam Rayners and Lebo Mothiba, it wasn’t enough to secure points.
This result saw Sundowns drop from first to third in Group F, now with three points, one behind both Dortmund and Fluminense. With Dortmund needing only a point against already-eliminated Ulsan HD to progress, Sundowns must secure a victory against Fluminense on Wednesday to keep their tournament hopes alive.
Indeed, a draw or a loss will see them heading home, despite what has been an impressive showing in the tournament so far.
Fluminense’s Formidable Challenge
Fluminense, on the other hand, only need a draw to secure their spot in the Round of 16, given that South Korea’s Ulsan HD are already out of contention.
Their most recent outing saw them surge past Ulsan HD with a 4-2 victory in a thrilling Group F clash. Fluminense initially took the lead through Jhon Arias’ stunning 25-yard free-kick. Nevertheless, Ulsan responded strongly before halftime with quick goals from Jinhyun Lee and Um Won-Sang, giving the Koreans a 2-1 lead at the break.
Fluminense rallied in the second half. Nonato leveled the score in the 66th minute after Ulsan failed to clear Keno’s cross. Juan Freytes then netted the go-ahead goal in the 83rd minute, his first for the club, capitalizing on another uncleared corner. Keno sealed the win with a stoppage-time header from an Arias cross.
This victory extends Fluminense’s unbeaten run to eight matches across all competitions, including two at the Club World Cup. They began their tournament with a goalless draw against Dortmund before their win over Ulsan.
Sundowns will need to be wary of Fluminense’s experienced players, particularly veteran defender Thiago Silva, who continues to defy age, and key midfielders Martinelli and Colombian winger Jhon Arias, who have been central to their success.
Kick off against Fluminense is set for 21:00 SAST later today at the Hard Rock Stadium in Miami.