The Amajimbos played most of the Group A match with just ten men on the field after Sive Pama was shown a red card for a foul. The referee initially gave him a yellow, but following a Football Video Support (FVS) review requested by Bolivia, it was upgraded to a red in the 35th minute.

The victory saw coach Vela Khumalo’s charges make history, becoming the first-ever South African national team to win their opening match in a FIFA World Cup. This was also the U17s’ first-ever win in only their second World Cup appearance, having lost two games and drawn one in 2015.

Amajimbos celebrating with the crowd after beating Bolivia in their opening match of the FIFA U17 Men's World Cup in Qatar on Monday. pic.twitter.com/pBlIOVIR8u

— SAFA.net (@SAFA_net) November 3, 2025

Despite being a man down, the South Africans took the lead just three minutes after Pama’s dismissal, with the sensational Emile Witbooi scoring the opener. It came on his second attempt after his initial shot had rebounded off the upright, with Bolivia goalkeeper Geronemo Govea beaten.

In the second half, South Africa continued where they left off, with Neo Bohloko doubling the lead in the 50th minute.

Bolivia pulled a goal back in the 72nd minute when Jesus Maraude converted a penalty following another successful FVS review. The penalty was awarded for a foul in the South African goal area, and Maraude made no mistake.

Five minutes into stoppage time, Shaun Els found the back of the net to seal the win for South Africa. That extra goal could prove vital later in the group stage, as goal difference may decide which team advances to the knockout rounds, with Italy also in Group A.

Following the win, Amajimbos coach Khumalo praised his team’s character for grinding out a victory with ten players, though he warned the workload could take a toll later in the tournament.

“Our analysis was spot on, but it was disrupted by us being a man down, which forced us to tweak our tactical approach,” said Khumalo.

Vela Khumalo - Morgan Piek

“However, we still created chances playing on the counter. Our boys showed maturity and a growing understanding of the technical adjustments and tactical flexibility required, and I’m genuinely proud of them.”

In the other Group A fixture, Italy beat hosts Qatar 1-0 through a 19th-minute goal by forward Samuele Inacio.

The Amajimbos face a short turnaround before taking on hosts Qatar on Thursday, with kick-off set for 17:45.

Morgan Piek OFM Sport