Amajimbos Make Historic FIFA U-17 World Cup Debut with Victory over Bolivia

10-man Amajimbos began their FIFA U-17 World Cup campaign in style, defeating Bolivia 3-1 in Doha on Monday to record their first-ever victory at the tournament.

Vela Khumalo’s side impressed with vibrant attacking football, with goals coming from Emile Witbooi in the first half and Neo Bohloko and Shaun Els in the second to seal a historic win.

Witbooi opened the scoring with dazzling footwork inside the box, cutting past his marker before firing home. His initial shot struck the post, but he reacted quickest to tuck in the rebound and put South Africa ahead in the 38th minute.

That goal came shortly after Amajimbos were reduced to 10 men when Sive Pama was sent off in the 33rd minute for a reckless challenge on Jairo Saldias. Initially shown a yellow card, the decision was upgraded to a red following a VAR review.

Despite being a man down, Amajimbos continued to create chances. Goalkeeper Lwandiso Radebe pulled off a brilliant reflex save to tip Jesus Maraude’s close-range effort over the bar, keeping his side in front.

Captain Kamohelo Mareletse nearly doubled the lead before halftime, but Bolivia’s goalkeeper Geronimo Govea made a superb stop. Soon after, Luke Hendricks’ powerful header from a corner was also saved by Govea, who kept Bolivia in the game with several fine interventions.

Five minutes into the second half, South Africa finally doubled their advantage. Substitute Alwande Booysen delivered a perfect cross for Neo Bohloko, who slid in at the far post to make it 2-0. Both players had just come off the bench, making an immediate impact.

With 20 minutes remaining, Bolivia were handed a lifeline when Lebohang Dhlamini brought down Santos Garcia inside the box. Following another VAR check, Maraude converted the penalty with a cheeky Panenka, sending Radebe the wrong way.

Amajimbos had to reorganize defensively to hold off the Bolivian pressure, but they sealed the win deep into stoppage time. Booysen, who was a constant menace on the right flank, burst past his marker and unselfishly squared the ball for Shaun Els, who tapped home the third goal.

Booysen’s lively performance off the bench raised eyebrows, especially after he was surprisingly left out of the starting lineup. His display will give coach Vela Khumalo something to think about ahead of the second Group A clash against hosts Qatar on Thursday.