South Africa’s Under17 advanced to the knockout stages of the U17 FIFA World Cup despite a 3-1 loss against Italy.
Amajimbos finished second, after Bolivia and Qatar shared the spoils in a goalless draw on Sunday.
Vela Khumalo’s boys had another difficult start when they conceded in the fourth minute, when Valerio Maccaroni laid an assist to Samuele Inacio.
The Borussia Dortmund youngster scored for the third consecutive game in the FIFA U17 World Cup, taking his goal contribution to five (two assists & three goals).
The “Gli Azzurrini” as Italy’s U17 are known continued to control the game for about 15 minutes and squeezed Amajimbos into their own half. But Vela Khumalo’s remained solid at the back.
Coming to this game Italy hadn’t conceded a goal in this World Cup but Shaun Els became the first player to bridge the Italian defence as he levelled matters in the 32nd minute after a fine free-kick routine.
With the intensity increasing, Emile Witbooi received a yellow card after a bad foul committed with six minutes remaining the normal time, and half-time was reached with at 1-1.
When the second half began, Italy made few changes from the bench, trying to influence the game. Just 10 minutes from the break, Italy restored their lead through Antonio Arena, Maccaroni with his second assist in the game.
Three minutes later, goalscorer became a provider as Arena laid an assist Inacio who completed his brace, netting his fourth goal of the tournament.
Despite the loss Amajimbos advanced to the knockout stages after Bolivia and Qatar played a goalless draw, with Khumalo’s men finishing Group A on four points.