South Africa came from a goal down to hold hosts Qatar 1-1 in their second Group A match at the 2025 U17 FIFA World Cup on Thursday.
Qatar took an early lead through Yazan Mohamed in the third minute from his captain Zaid Ktiti’s assist but that was cancelled by Emile Witbooi 11 minutes later with a header.
Coach Khumalo had made two changes to the side that defeated Bolivia 3-1 in the opener on Monday starting Shaun Els and Abulele Dlekedla in the absence of suspended Sive Pama and Luke Hendricks who dropped out of the match day squad.
It was South Africa who gave possession away in the early stages of the first half that gave way for Qatar to capitalise and break the deadlock. South Africa could have equalised in the ninth minute from a set-piece after Teboho Mlangeni was fouled. Neo Bohloko stepped up but hit the side of the net.
Then in the 16th minute Amjimbos captain Kamohelo Mareletse spotted Witbooi from range and crossed for the latter to head home the equaliser with his second goal of the tournament. Lwandiso Radebe was called to make two super saves in the 21st minute when he denied Tameem Alqadi in the box and Mohammed from range just before the break to leave the game tied at halftime.
Amajimbos returned for the second half unchanged while Qatar made one substitution. Two minutes into the half Alqadi had a chance but Radebe denied him. Witbooi had a shot punched away while Tumi Mothapo hit the side of the net just before the hour mark.
But in the end it stayed 1-1 and the result means Vela Khumalo’s charges will secure their place in the knockout stages with a draw in the group decider against Italy on Sunday.
Italy have already qualified for the knockout stage after defeating Bolivia 4-0 in their second match, but Amajimbos also have a very high chance to qualify via the best third-best teams route, should they be overtaken by Qatar after the final round of Group A fixtures.
