On the brink of greatness: How Sundowns can extend Fifa Club World Cup journey

From the intensity of local competition to the bright lights of continental football, Mamelodi Sundowns have grown into one of South Africa’s most successful and respected clubs.

Their dominance at home has been matched by a hunger to make their mark internationally — most notably with their 2016 CAF Champions League triumph, a victory that made headlines across Africa and announced their arrival on the global stage.

Now, in just their second appearance at the Fifa Club World Cup, the Brazilians find themselves on the verge of another milestone.

With a proud record already behind them, they head into their final group stage clash against Brazilian giants Fluminense at the Hard Rock Stadium (9pm kick-off) on Wednesday, aiming not just to compete, but to add another memorable moment to their growing legacy.

This fixture offers far more than just the chance to advance — it is a real opportunity to reach the last 16 and write another chapter in a story that continues to grow in stature.

Beating the odds

Fluminense might not be considered among the favourites to win the tournament, but they remain a strong and historic club in South America — much like Sundowns are on the African continent.

They currently lead Group F on four points after a 4-2 win over HD Ulsan and a 0-0 draw with Borussia Dortmund in their opener. Sundowns sit on three points and know that nothing short of a victory will be enough to progress to the round of 16.

The challenge is a tough one, but their performance against Dortmund showed they can go toe-to-toe with top teams. Despite costly errors, they created chances, showed character, and played with attacking purpose — qualities they will need to summon again.

Taking the positives from the Dortmund defeat

The 4-3 loss to Dortmund was marked by defensive mistakes, with two goals conceded that could have been avoided. But the overall performance from Sundowns was encouraging.

They created multiple chances and played the kind of fluid, possession-based attacking football that has become their trademark both in the Premiership and Champions League competitions.

Had they been more clinical in front of goal, they could have scored more than three. The way they fought back and nearly forced an equaliser late in the game shows the mental strength and belief they will need against Fluminense — and taking those positives forward, while finishing better, will be crucial.

Impact from the bench

Coach Miguel Cardoso has so far made smart use of his substitutes, with players from the bench stepping up when called upon.

Lebogang Mothiba, who is still settling in and has not played many minutes, came on to score his first goal for the club in the fightback against Dortmund. However, a muscle injury may sideline him for this crucial match — possibly opening the door for a debut appearance in the tournament from Peter Shalulile off the bench.

In midfield, Themba Zwane — recently returned from injury and controversially left out of the CAF Champions League final legs — featured for 87 minutes in the last game. With fitness still being managed, he could be more effective as a second-half option.

His calm presence, vision, and ability to influence games in tight moments could provide Sundowns with the edge they need — particularly as the match reaches what may be its decisive stages.