Kashima Antlers have continued good form in their home stadium ©Getty Images

Home contenders Kashima Antlers ended the African challenge at the FIFA Club World Cup in Japan today after defeating Mamelodi Sundowns 2-0 at the Suita City Football Stadium in Osaka. 

Club America also beat Jeonbuk Hyundai Motors 2-1 to set-up a semi-final with European champions Real Madrid.

J-League champions Kashima initially struggled with the blistering attacking speed of their South African opponents. 

But, roared on by their red and black-decked fans, they gradually began to dominate in the second half.

After several near-misses, the breakthrough came on 63 minutes when a Shuhei Akasaki cross from the right eventually fell to Yasushi Endo to slot home.

Mu Kanazaki then scored a second in the closing stages after a cut-back from Yuma Suzuki.

This set-up a semi-final against Copa Libertadores winners and Colombian heavyweights Atlético Nacional.

Club America got the better of their South Korean opponents Jeonbuk Hyundai Motors ©Getty Images
Club America got the better of their South Korean opponents Jeonbuk Hyundai Motors ©Getty Images

Mexico's Club America were forced to come from behind before winning the day's first match at Saita City against the Asian Champions League winners from South Korea.

Kim Bok-yung's 23rd minute opener brought back fears that Club America would repeat their first-match exit against China’s Guangzhou Evergrande last year.

Argentinian striker Silvio Romero drew the Mexican side level after a pinpoint cross from Ecuadorian Michael Arroya.

Arroyo also proved instrumental in the second goal when his corner led to Romero's deflected shot finding the back of the net.

They will now face Spain's European Champions League winners Real Madrid in Yokohama on Thursday (December 15).

Atlético Nacional will take-on Kashima Antlers in Osaka on Thursday (December 14).

Both Atlético Nacional and Real Madrid have received a bye straight into the semi-finals.