South African giants, Mamelodi Sundowns became the latest African team to bow out of the ongoing 2025 FIFA Club World Cup with their heads held high after amassing four points from three group games.

The “Brazilians” needed a win to advance through to qualify for the round of 16 stage but a goalless stalemate against Brazil outfit, Fluminense was just not enough to earn them such feat at the Hard Rock Stadium on Wednesday, June 25.

The 2024/2025 South African Betway Premiership winners finished third in Group F on four points, a point behind eventual suitors on second place, Fluminense and three away from group leaders, Dortmund.

Iqraam Rayners, who scored Sundowns’ first goal at the tournament in their 1-0 win over Korean club Ulsan Hyundai and won the MVP award of the game spoke to the media after their exit.

“I think we played well in the first half and even in the second half. We had the opportunity to score but unfortunately it didn’t happen. A bit disappointed but we have to move on quickly,” Rayners told the media.

The 29-year-old had positive and fulfilling comments about the traveling fans who thronged through to the Hard Rock Stadium in USA to offer their unflinching support to the club.

“The fans are always behind us even when we played at home, they supported us through the season. So I am just happy, I just want to tell Masandawana supporters, be behind us and we love you guys.”

The Brazilians began their journey in the tourney with a fabulous win as they defeated South Korean side, Ulsan Hyundai by 1-0, becoming the first African side to seal a victory in the first round of group stage games before losing to 4-3 to Dortmund in a fierce encounter in the second game, before wrapping up the group matches with a goalless stalemate as they locked horns with Brazilian outfit, Fluminense.

Sundowns, who won the Premier Soccer League title last season, will turn their attentions to the upcoming season’s continental and domestic competitions after losing last season’s CAF Champions League title to Egyptian side, FC Pyramids.