South Africa’s Amajimbos launched their FIFA U-17 World Cup campaign with a hard-fought 3-1 win over Bolivia on Monday at Aspire Zone Stadium, overcoming a first-half red card to secure three crucial points in Group A.

The match marked the opening fixture of the newly expanded 48-team tournament, showcasing Africa’s rising influence in youth football.

Emile Witbooi broke the deadlock in the 38th minute with a composed finish, but South Africa’s momentum was briefly halted when defender Siviwe Pama was sent off in the 45th minute. Bolivia capitalized with a second-half penalty to level the score, yet South Africa responded with goals from Neo Bohloko and Shaun Els—Bohloko restoring the lead shortly after the break and Els sealing the win in stoppage time.

Coach Thabo Senong praised his team’s resilience: “Down to 10, they showed heart—that’s the Amajimbos spirit.” The result places South Africa atop Group A, which also includes hosts Qatar and North Korea, and sets a confident tone for Africa’s 10-team contingent in the tournament.

Bolivia, making their third U-17 World Cup appearance, struggled against South Africa’s high press and managed just 0.45 expected goals. The match echoes the senior sides’ only prior meeting—a 1-0 Bolivian win in a 2007 friendly—but this time, Africa’s youth made a statement.

The tournament’s new format features 12 groups of three teams, with the top two and eight best third-placed sides advancing to a 32-team knockout stage beginning November 14. The final will be held November 27 at Khalifa International Stadium.

FIFA President Gianni Infantino called the expansion a “milestone for football’s future,” with five debutant nations—Uganda, Zambia, El Salvador, Fiji, and Ireland—joining the 104-match spectacle. Africa’s representation includes Senegal, Gambia, Burkina Faso, Côte d’Ivoire, Morocco, and South Africa, alongside newcomers Uganda and Zambia.

Standout players to watch include Italy’s Samuele Inácio, France’s Djylian N’Guessan, Argentina’s Thomas de Martis, Uzbekistan’s Sadriddin Khasanov, and Morocco’s Abdellah Ouazane. Tickets are available via FIFA’s platform, starting at $4 for the final and $5.50 for day passes.

As Doha prepares to host five consecutive editions of the tournament, the 2025 kickoff signals a new chapter for global youth football—and a promising start for Africa’s next generation.