South Africa’s U-17 national football team, Amajimbos, made history on Sunday by qualifying for the knockout stages of the FIFA Under-17 World Cup for the first time, despite a 3-1 defeat to European champions Italy at the Aspire Academy complex in Al Rayyan, Qatar.
The young South Africans finished second in Group A with four points from a win, a draw, and a loss, thanks to a goalless draw between hosts Qatar and Bolivia in the group’s other fixture.
“This result shows that South African football is moving in the right direction. Our boys gave everything against a top European side. The experience will serve them well as we prepare for the knockout stages. We respect every opponent, but we fear none,” coach Vela Khumalo said after the match.
Italy topped the group with a perfect nine points, while Qatar and Bolivia exited the tournament with two and zero points, respectively.
The match started at a frenetic pace, with Italy, the reigning European U-17 champions, asserting themselves immediately.
South Africa’s defensive shape was tested early, and within four minutes, Borussia Dortmund prodigy Samuele Inacio struck the opener.
A precise through ball from Valerio Maccaroni found Inacio in space on the right, and the winger’s low drive beat goalkeeper Solethu Radebe at his near post.
Italy looked dominant, creating a string of chances through their front three of Inacio, Antonio Arena, and Simone Lontani.
AC Milan’s Lontani came close to doubling the lead in the 20th minute, only for Radebe to pull off a sharp stop.
Amajimbos gradually found their rhythm and began to show more ambition going forward, being rewarded in the 32nd minute when Emile Witbooi, one of the tournament’s most exciting attackers, earned a free-kick near the touchline.
Taking it quickly, Witbooi picked out Kamohelo Maraletse bursting down the flank; his shot cannoned off the post, but Shaun Els of Kaizer Chiefs reacted quickest to slot home the rebound and level the game at 1-1.
That goal lifted Vela Khumalo’s young charges, who defended bravely to keep the Italians at bay until halftime.
Italy coach Massimiliano Favo, visibly frustrated by his team’s lack of sharpness, reorganised his side during the interval, with the adjustment working almost immediately.
Ten minutes into the second half, a pinpoint Maccaroni corner found Antonio Arena, the AS Roma forward, who rose above the South African defence to head home and restore Italy’s lead.
Barely three minutes later, Italy delivered another devastating blow.
Substitute Destiny Elimoghale surged down the left wing, exchanged passes with Arena, who then squared the ball to Inacio for a composed finish and his second goal of the match.
Despite the 3-1 scoreline, Khumalo’s side showed determination and tactical discipline against one of Europe’s finest youth teams.
For South Africa, the result was secondary to the achievement.
The draw between Qatar and Bolivia confirmed Amajimbos’ progression to the Round of 32, marking the first time a South African U-17 side has advanced beyond the group phase at a FIFA World Cup.
Their qualification adds to a growing wave of optimism surrounding South African football, with the country’s youth and senior teams showing marked improvement across age levels.
The U-20 side, Amajita, reached the last 16 at their World Cup in Chile last month, while Bafana Bafana secured qualification for the 2026 FIFA World Cup; their first appearance since 2002.
The 2025 edition of the FIFA U-17 World Cup marks a new era for the competition, featuring 48 teams for the first time, up from 24 in previous tournaments.
The expansion has allowed more African teams to showcase their talent, with South Africa, Senegal, and Zambia all advancing to the knockout rounds.
Morocco, meanwhile, remains in contention following a record-breaking 16-0 victory over New Caledonia.
For Amajimbos, qualification is a landmark achievement that reflects the resilience and potential of a new generation of South African footballers.
Their next challenge will come in the Round of 32, where they will face one of the tournament’s group winners.
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