Mamelodi Sundowns bowed out of the Club World Cup with heads high, with their iconic "shoeshine and piano" flair and valiant fightback against Dortmund showcasing African football's elite caliber to the world.

by sportswriters Dong Yixing and Gong Bing

MIAMI, June 26 (Xinhua) -- Under the searing Florida sun, Mamelodi Sundowns' FIFA Club World Cup dream ended in a goalless draw against Fluminense on Wednesday, but their signature "shoeshine and piano" style earned one final standing ovation from the yellow-clad faithful who crossed oceans to witness history.

Needing a win to advance, Sundowns launched early attacks at Hard Rock Stadium. Tashreeq Matthews' fierce 12th-minute drive forced a spectacular one-handed save from Fluminense keeper Fabio.

Despite dominating possession with the rhythmic passing that defines their DNA, the breakthrough never came. Fluminense's defensive line held firm, content to secure the point that sent them through as Group F runner-up behind Borussia Dortmund.

"The story of this game is the goal we didn't score in the first 20 or 25 minutes," said coach Miguel Cardoso. "But we kept the intensity and the quality. I'm so proud of my boys. I'm so proud of the club. We have played some of the most beautiful football in this tournament."

For Brazilian playmaker Lucas Ribeiro, the clash resonated beyond tactics. "We played free, and we played in the same way here as we do in South Africa."

As one of four African clubs in the expanded tournament, Sundowns' qualification was no fluke but the reward for years of domestic dominance and consistent excellence across Africa. With 15 South African Premier Soccer League titles - including a record-extending eighth consecutive crown clinched just last month - Sundowns qualified via the Confederation of African Football (CAF) ranking pathway.

Their journey included navigating the continent's elite, reaching the CAF Champions League quarterfinals and semifinals twice each between 2020 and 2024. This tournament marked the club's return to the Club World Cup nearly a decade after making its debut as the first South African side in 2016.

Founded in the 1960s, the club's identity is rooted in its "shoeshine and piano" style. As club legend Trott Moloto explained, it's more than tactics - it's DNA. "It's deeply rooted in the culture of Mamelodi Sundowns Football Club."

Pioneered by the late Stanley "Screamer" Tshabalala in the 1980s and nurtured by former owner Zola Mahobe, the style is a form of touch football. "The system involves building from the back, passing the ball around the field and keeping things simple while maintaining control of the game," Moloto said. It's "Bafana Ba Style" - Boys with Style - personified.

Under current Portuguese coach Cardoso, the system evolved with greater defensive discipline and set-piece focus, while maintaining its elegant core. It propelled Sundowns to this year's CAF Champions League final, a narrow aggregate loss to Egyptian club Pyramids FC, proving they belong among Africa's best.

Stepping onto the world stage amplified every moment. Captain Themba Zwane, the 35-year-old midfield maestro and club icon with more than 400 appearances, embodied that responsibility.

"Obviously we are excited as a team," Zwane said before the tournament. "We're going to represent Africa as a whole. It's the kind of experience every player dreams of, to go there, compete at a high level, and test how far you've come."

Goalkeeper Ronwen Williams echoed the pride: "We are just so happy to see the name Mamelodi Sundowns up there with the best of the best, which is an amazing achievement for the Club. Being part of such a prestigious tournament is a big deal."

Drawn into a daunting Group F with South Korea's Ulsan HD, CONMEBOL champion Fluminense, and European giant Borussia Dortmund, Sundowns silenced doubters early.

After overcoming a 65-minute weather delay in Orlando, they dominated their opener against Ulsan HD on June 17. Striker Iqraam Rayners had two goals ruled out before finally scoring in the 36th minute.

"I'm over the moon with the victory. We played as a team," said Rayners, the Player of the Match. "We mustn't get ahead of ourselves... We'll turn our focus to our next match against Borussia Dortmund, which will be a much sterner test."

Coach Cardoso emphasized belief: "All the teams in the tournament believe in their ability to advance to the next round... we need to play a very complete match."

Against Dortmund in Cincinnati on June 21, Sundowns didn't blink. Matthews, a former Dortmund player, set up Ribeiro for an 11th-minute goal.

A rare mistake by Williams gifted Dortmund an equalizer, and the Germans surged to a 4-1 lead by the 59th minute through Serhou Guirassy, Jobe Bellingham, and a Khuliso Mudau own goal. But Sundowns' resilience - a core part of their identity - shone through.

Rayners scored again, becoming the first African player to net in consecutive Club World Cup matches. Substitute Lebo Mothiba added a third, setting up a tense finish in a 4-3 defeat.

Defender Divine Lunga's pre-match words proved prophetic: "They are big guns. But everyone knows who Mamelodi Sundowns are. It's not going to be an easy one."

"This was a hell of an experience," said Cardoso. "We grew a lot. We can compete. We showed we are on the pitch and we are not afraid. We were brave enough and took them to the limit. Today we got a lot of respect from the world."

That comeback encapsulated Sundowns' spirit and drew praise online. "You made us super proud by displaying and showcasing our football in the world against a powerful club like Dortmund," wrote a fan named "ayanda" on the club's website. "The belief in yourselves was just out of this world, and this is what we need to progress as Africans in world tournaments."

As the final whistle blew against Fluminense, confirming their elimination, their supporters stood unwavering. In the Miami stands, Thando Hishumeni's voice cracked. The 43-year-old from Polokwane had endured a 20-hour flight with 100 fellow supporters, part of a 36-year journey as a Masandawana disciple.

"We play the most amazing football, the best football in this entire tournament," Hishumeni said. "Football brings people together, no matter skin color. We are one. And this Cup, it shows the world Africa belongs here."  ■