South Africa’s U-17 national team, the Amajimbos, made history once again by qualifying for the Round of 32 at the FIFA U-17 World Cup 2025 in Qatar — the first time a South African side at this level has progressed beyond the group stage.
Despite a spirited 3-1 defeat to European champions Italy on Sunday night at the Aspire Academy in Al Rayyan, the result of the other Group A fixture — a 0-0 draw between Qatar and Bolivia — ensured that Vela Khumalo’s boys finished second in the group with four points, behind Italy (nine).
Italy took an early lead through Samuele Inacio, but Shaun Els equalised midway through the first half after fine work from Emile Witbooi and Kamohelo Maraletse. The Azzurrini, however, pulled away after the break with quick goals from Antonio Arena and Inacio again to seal the win.
The Amajimbos, who earlier claimed their first-ever U-17 World Cup victory by beating Bolivia 3-1, have impressed with their fighting spirit and technical growth against elite opposition. Their performance marks another milestone in a golden period for South African football, following Bafana Bafana’s AFCON bronze medal and Amajita’s U-20 World Cup last-16 appearance earlier this year.
Coach Khumalo praised his young side for showing resilience against one of Europe’s strongest youth setups, saying the team will “take confidence and lessons” into their historic knockout clash.