South Africa’s U17 men’s national team, the Amajimbos, began their FIFA U17 World Cup campaign in style with a 3–1 victory over Bolivia at the Aspire Zone Complex in Doha, Qatar, on Monday.
The result was historic — Vela Khumalo’s side became the first South African national team to win an opening match at any FIFA World Cup tournament. It also marked the Amajimbos’ first-ever World Cup win, achieved during only their second appearance at the global showpiece following their debut in 2015.
Despite the celebrations, the match was far from straightforward. South Africa were reduced to ten men in the 35th minute when Sive Pama was sent off after a Football Video Support (FVS) review upgraded his initial yellow card to a red. But just three minutes later, Emile Witbooi gave the Amajimbos the lead, pouncing on a rebound after his first effort struck the upright.
Coach Khumalo made key second-half substitutions, bringing on Lebohang Dhlamini and Alwande Booysen to inject fresh energy. The changes paid off as Neo Bohloko doubled South Africa’s advantage in the 50th minute.
Bolivia pulled one back from the penalty spot through Jesus Maraude after another successful FVS review penalised Dhlamini for a foul inside the box. But as the game entered stoppage time, substitute Shaun Els sealed the win, beating the offside trap to slot home the third goal and secure a memorable 3–1 triumph.
“Our analysis was spot on even though going a man down forced us to adjust our tactics,” said Khumalo after the match. “The boys showed maturity and tactical awareness. I’m really proud of them.”
The coach also welcomed the use of new technology in youth football:
“It’s very good for development — even though it went against us, it adds fairness and learning to the game.”
In the other Group A match, Italy edged hosts Qatar 1–0 thanks to a 19th-minute strike from Samuele Inacio. South Africa now top the group on goal difference and will face Qatar next on Thursday, 6 November (17h45 SA time), while Italy take on Bolivia earlier in the day.
Amajimbos starting XI vs Bolivia
Lwandiso Radebe (GK); Sive Pama, Liam Marthinus, Tumi Mothapo, Luke Hendricks; Teboho Mlangeni (Lebohang Dhlamini 49’), Kamohelo Mareletse (C), Omphemetse Sekgoto; Selwyn Stevens (Alwande Booysen 49’), Emile Witbooi (Lunje Noqobo 85’), Neo Bohloko (Shaun Els 77’)
Substitutes: Keabetswe Morake (GK), Sello Mokhobo (GK), Lunje Noqobo, Shaun Els, Alwande Booysen, Abulele Dlekedla, Joshua Taylor, Will Henson, Lebohang Dhlamini, Lebogang Mswane
Coach: Vela Khumalo