Amajimbos triumph over Bolivia in U17 World Cup opener

The South African U17 national team, Amajimbos, commenced their 2025 FIFA U17 World Cup campaign with a dominant 3-1 victory over Bolivia in Doha, Qatar, on Monday afternoon. 

The match, held at the Aspire Zone Complex in Al Rayyan, saw goals from Emile Witbooi, Neo Bohloko, and Shaun Els.

READ: Amajimbos jet off to Qatar for FIFA U17 World Cup

Despite going down to ten men after Siviwe Pama received a red card in the 35th minute, it was the South Africans who broke the deadlock moments later. 

Witbooi scored in the 38th minute to give Amajimbos a 1-0 lead at halftime.

Bohloko doubled the lead five minutes after the restart. Bolivia managed to pull one back from the penalty spot in the 72nd minute, making the score 2-1. However, Els sealed the historic victory for South Africa with a goal in stoppage time, securing the nation's first-ever win at the global showpiece.

Amajimbos currently sit atop the Group A standings, awaiting the result of the hosts Qatar squaring off against Italy later in the day.

South Africa will return to action with a clash against the Middle Eastern nation on Thursday, 6 November.

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