Tashreeq Matthews blamed by Mamelodi Sundowns fans for Club World Cup exit
BIG MISS Sundowns' South African forward Tashreeq Matthews reacts during the FIFA Club World Cup 2025 Group F football match against Brazil's Fluminense at the Hard Rock stadium in Miami on June 25, 2025. Picture: Chandan Khanna/AFP
Image: Chandan Khanna/AFP
Though Mamelodi Sundowns have mostly been commended for their strong showing at the Club World Cup despite their exit as the group stages concluded, there are a number of fans who were left annoyed with one player in particular.
That player is Sundowns midfielder Tashreeq Matthews, who missed a great chance to score in his side’s final Group F encounter with Brazilian side Fluminense in the first half.
Left one-on-one with Fluminense keeper Fabio, Matthews struck his shot straight at the shot-stopper.
Though it was still early in the game, it would turn out to be the best chance for Sundowns to score. Had Matthews scored, Sundowns would have advanced to the next stage of the competition as the match ended goalless.
Sundowns Settle for 0-0 Draw, Miss Out on Next Round; Fans Frustrated with Tashreeq Matthews
Instead, Sundowns had to settle for a 0-0 draw and third place in Group F as Fluminense and German giants Borussia Dortmund punched their ticket to the next round.
Fans were not shy to voice their frustration on X.
@MT_Nsonda said: Tashreeq Matthews, you have no idea what have you done for us as a country. 1st it was against Pyramids. Today it was against Fluminense
@Madumetja__M08 said: Tashreeq Matthews - The man who cost us the #CAFCL final and a spot in the last 16 of the #ClubWorldCup
@SkepeMatsebane said: Tashreeq Matthews with misses that easily decide games. Big games. Clear chances.
@LifeofMelo said: Tashreeq Matthews is anti-Sundowns man, he has been missing sitters for them consistently.
After the match, Sundowns coach Miguel Cardoso sang the praises of his troops.
“Some teams came here and took nothing but Mamelodi Sundowns leave with a lot -– we took four points, we lost just one game and we drew one game in which it was clear we had the best chances,” said Cardoso.