U-17 World Cup: South Africa defeat Bolivia; Senegal & Morocco struggle

The 2025 FIFA U-17 World Cup is underway at the Aspire Zone in Qatar and it was South Africa who got off to a strong start while fellow African representatives Senegal and Morocco got off to slow starts.

🇿🇦 South Africa win their opening match of the #U17WC! pic.twitter.com/kwpEmVkBFW

— FIFA World Cup (@FIFAWorldCup) November 3, 2025

The Amajimbos of South Africa defeated Bolivia 3-1 despite playing most of the match with a numerical disadvantage following Sive Pama’s first half red card.

CDM U17 | Afrique du Sud 🇿🇦 – Bolivie 🇧🇴

⚽️ Emile Witbooi https://t.co/gW8znZWmk0 pic.twitter.com/E7LNXnKIVn

— NS Scout 🇫🇷🇩🇿🇩🇪 (@PourTolerance) November 3, 2025

Emile Witbooi opened the scoring for the U-17 Africa Cup of Nations quarterfinalists, who looked deadly in transition while maintaining strong tactical discipline. Golden Arrows forward Alwande Booysen set up the other two goals in the second half with Neo Bohloko and substitute Shaun Els adding the other tallies for Amajimbos.

Senegal and Croatia failed to create much in their 0-0 draw while it was a disappointing opener for African U-17 champions Morocco. Les Lionceaux struggled against a talented Japan side, who found the match winner early in the second half for a 2-0 result in Group B as the North African side failed to get their attack going.

Morocco will face Portugal in their next match while Senegal return to action against Costa Rica on Thursday. South Africa will next take on hosts Qatar in Group A, also on Thursday.

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