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,
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