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Mamelodi Sundowns 0-2 Kashima Antlers
MAMELODI Sundowns missed out on a semi-final spot at the Club World Cup after losing 0-2 to Japanese champions Kashima Antlers at the Suita City Football Stadium yesterday.
The Brazilians got off to a good start and nearly broke the deadlock after 13 minutes when Thapelo Morena’s low effort was saved by Sogahata.
Antlers, meanwhile, started seeing more of the ball as the half went on, although they struggled mount any serious attempts at Denis Onyango’s goal in the opening 25 minutes.
Sundowns should have broken the deadlock after 29 minutes when Percy Tau missed a one-on-one opportunity, before Khama Billiat blazed over from six-yards out a minute later.
It was one way traffic as Antlers had Sogahata to thank for keeping Sundowns at bay, as he produced a number of fine saves over the course of the first half.
The Japanese outfit, meanwhile, offered very little going forward and register a single shot in the opening 45 minutes.
Antlers were the better side in the second half, as Sundowns were restricted to counter attacks.
The Japanese outfit then broke the deadlock in the 62nd minute when Endo fired past Onyango, who should have done better.
Pitso Mosimane responded by introducing defender Siyanda Zwane for the in-effective Leonardo Castro.
Sundowns continued to push for an equalising goal and also threw on Anthony Laffor and Sibusiso Vilakazi for the final 15 minutes.
However, Antlers sealed the win in the 87th minute, as substitute Mu Kanazaki was afford time in the box and placed the ball into the bottom corner.
Sundowns will now play in the 5th place final against Jeonbuk Motors on Wednesday.
Here’s how they lined up:
Sundowns: Onyango, Morena (Laffor 70’), Arendse, Nascimento, Langerman, Kekana, Mabunda, Dolly, Tau, Billiat (Vilakazi 78’), Castro (Zwane 65’).
Antlers: Sogahata, Shoji, Nagaki, Shoma, Shibasaki, Nakamura, Shuto, Akasaki, Daigo, Ueda, Endo. – Soccer Laduma
Online Reporter