FIFA U-17 World Cup: Kaizer Chiefs starlet on target as South Africa beat Bolivia in Group A opener

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FIFA U-17 World Cup: Kaizer Chiefs starlet on target as South Africa beat Bolivia in Group A opener

South Africa’s Amajimbos started the U17 FIFA World Cup with a 3-1 win against Bolivia at the Aspire Zone Complex in Al Rayyan, Doha, on Monday afternoon.

Mzansi had come into the match hoping for maximum points and to increase their chances of making it out of the pool and into the next knockout phase.

However, they were not going to find it easy against their opponents, who also needed a win in Group A, which is made up of Italy and hosts Qatar as well.

Red Card? No problem! 

Amajimbos, South Africa vs Bolivia

Amajimbos started the game quite well, dictating the tempo in early proceedings, but failed to take their chances. 

It got worse in the 36th minute when Sive Pama was sent off to give the Bolivians a numerical advantage. But it was South Africa who broke the deadlock in the 35th minute thanks to Emile Witbooi’s strike.

Goalkeeper Lwandiso Radebe had to be at his best moments before the break to deny Bolivia with a stunning save.

Amajimbos seal a win in the second half

South Africa had opportunities to double their advantage, but Kamohelo Mareletse and Luke Hendricks couldn’t beat the goalkeeper from promising positions.

The missed chances mattered less as Kaizer Chiefs’ youngster Neo Bohloko scored in the 50th minute to make it 2-0. Alwande Booysen had done all the donkey work before laying an inch-perfect pass to the Amakhosi man.

Nevertheless, Bolivia were awarded a penalty in the 72nd minute, and Jesus Maraude stepped up to beat Radebe to make it 2-1. 

The inspired Booysen managed to create another assist, this time for Shaun Els, who made it 3-1 in the stoppages and sealed the win for Amajimbos ahead of the game against the hosts Qatar on Thursday. 

<!-- Author Start -->Willis Sob<!-- Author End -->

Willis Sob

Author

Willis Sob is an experienced journalist who has been in the game since 2009, covering major assignments around the continent.
His hunger for African football is unmatched, always getting the best angles and facts to feed the fans and quench their thirst.

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