South Africa’s U17 men’s national team, the Amajimbos, remain firmly in contention for a Round of 32 berth at the ongoing FIFA U17 World Cup in Doha, Qatar, following a 1–1 draw with the tournament hosts on Thursday night.
The match, played before a lively crowd at the Aspire Zone Complex, was attended by several high-profile figures, including Minister of Sports, Arts and Culture Gayton McKenzie and former Arsenal manager Arsène Wenger, now a FIFA technical director.
Coach Vela Khumalo’s side was missing key players — Luke Hendricks through injury and Sive Pama due to suspension — and found themselves trailing early after Yazan Hani put Qatar ahead in the 3rd minute. But the young South Africans responded brilliantly, with Emile Witbooi heading home the equaliser in the 16th minute to claim his second goal of the tournament and the Player of the Match award.
Khumalo introduced Lebohang Dhlamini, Will Henson, Joshua Taylor, and Alwande Booysen in the second half to inject fresh energy, but the scoreline remained unchanged.
“It wasn’t the result we hoped for, but we knew the hosts would be compact and rely on transitions,” said Khumalo. “The goal we conceded came from our mistake. Still, a draw keeps us in a good position — it’s something to build on.”
The point keeps South Africa second in Group A with four points, two behind Italy, who beat Bolivia 4–0 earlier in the day. Qatar sit third with one point, while Bolivia are yet to register any.
The group stage concludes on Sunday, 9 November, when Amajimbos face Italy and Qatar meet Bolivia. Both matches kick off at 16h45 (SA time). With the expanded 48-team format, the top two sides from each of the 12 groups, plus the eight best third-placed teams, will progress to the Round of 32.
South Africa XI vs Qatar:
Lwandiso Radebe (GK); Tumi Mothapo, Liam Marthinus, Abulele Dlekedla, Teboho Mlangeni; Kamohelo Mareletse (C), Omphemetse Sekgoto, Selwyn Stevens; Emile Witbooi, Shaun Els, Neo Bohloko
Substitutes: Lunje Noqobo, Alwande Booysen, Keabetswe Morake (GK), Joshua Taylor, Will Henson, Lebohang Dhlamini, Sello Mokhobo (GK)
Coach: Vela Khumalo