South Africa U17 3-1 vs Bolivia U-17 World Cup 2025

Match Recap & Key Facts

South Africa’s U17 team kicked off th u17 FIFA World cup in Qatar in style as they defeated Bolivia 3–1 in their Group A opener. The game took place at the Aspire Zone Complex in Al Rayyan / Doha, Qatar.
South Africa went down to ten men late in the first half, after Sive Pama was shown a red card in the 36^th minute. This somehow served as the push the South African needs as sooner after, they took the lead just minutes later via Emile Witbooi in the 38^th minute.
Neo Bohloko extended the lead early in the second half in the 50^th minute after a well-delivered cross. Bolivia fought back and they pulled one goal back via a penalty in the 72^nd minute converted by Jesús Maraude.
South Africa would go on to seal the win in stoppage time with a goal from Shaun Els in the 5^th minute of added time.

Resilience under pressure
South Africa showed mental strength. Losing a player to red early on could have derailed them, but instead they responded almost immediately with the opening goal.
Tactical adjustment & fresh legs
Second-half changes paid off. The assist from substitute players (e.g. Alwande Booysen setting up Bohloko) underlines good coaching and effective substitutions. The match wasn’t sealed until the final moments, the stoppage-time goal by Els proved decisive and calming for South African nerves.
Historic significance
This was South Africa’s first-ever win at the U-17 FIFA World Cup level and they will look to carry this momentum as the tournament advances.

With 3 points and a positive goal difference, South Africa is well-placed in the group, improving their chances of advancing to the knockout stages (either via top two in the group or possibly as one of the best third-placed teams).
The performance under adversity (playing with ten men) is a confidence builder. It sends a message to the rest of the tournament that the “Amajimbos” won’t easily fold under pressure.
For Bolivia, the game exposed some defensive or disciplinary gaps—especially conceding immediately after a red card and failing to prevent a late winner. They will need to regroup and shore up composure in upcoming fixtures.
Next up for South Africa is hosts Qatar in their next Group A match. Maintaining momentum from the South Africa U17 vs Bolivia match will be key for the south Africans.