Amajimbos head coach Vela Khumalo has expressed his heartfelt sentiments following the junior nationwide crew’s achievement of qualifying for the 2025 FIFA World Cup, revealing what it means to step onto the world stage.
Regardless of a 2-0 defeat to Burkina Faso of their last Underneath-17 AFCON Group B match at Stade Larbi Zaouli, Casablanca, on Sunday, Khumalo’s troops secured a spot within the 2025 FIFA U-17 World Cup in Qatar and a spot within the AFCON quarterfinals.
Egypt’s win in opposition to Cameroon, performed concurrently in Group B, was essential for Amajimbos because it ensured their second-place standing and subsequent World Cup qualification.
Burkina Faso completed the group stage with an ideal 9 factors on the summit, whereas Amajimbos superior with 4 factors as runners-up, because of their win in opposition to Egypt and draw within the Cameroon tie. Each Burkina Faso and Khumalo’s males progress to the quarterfinals, aiming for continental success.
Within the sport in opposition to Burkina Faso, SA missed a golden alternative when Neo Bohloko’s penalty, awarded after VAR assessment, was saved by Burkina Faso’s goalkeeper Ali Koné. This save proved pivotal, shifting the momentum in Burkina Faso’s favour after the primary half ended goalless.
Issouf Bara opened the scoring within the sixty fifth minute, capitalising on a headed help from Asharaf Tapsoba to attain from shut vary. Tapsoba sealed the victory for Burkina Faso with a formidable long-range strike within the 89th minute, discovering the underside nook. Amajimbos, regardless of efforts from Bohloko and Emile Witbooi, struggled to penetrate Burkina Faso’s robust defence.
‘IT IS MISSION ACCOMPLISHED’ – KHUMALO ON FIFA WORLD CUP QUALIFICATION
Khumalo, additionally the Kaizer Chiefs‘ DDC aspect coach, was thrilled for his crew, stating that World Cup qualification was a momentous achievement.
It’s the primary time since 2015 that SA have certified for the World Cup, and that is additionally their fourth time within the AFCON knockout levels, after 2005, 2015 and 2023.
“Let me take this chance to thank every South African who rallied behind us,” stated Khumalo. “This can be a nice second and an enormous achievement.
“Initially, I made it clear that greater than anything, we need to qualify for the World Cup, so it’s mission achieved. I’m very excited and delighted regardless of the final end result [loss to Burkina Faso], the place I believe we nonetheless performed nicely. We didn’t convert our probabilities, and we must be slightly bit extra aggressive and direct. I’m excited, glad, so glad for the boys, and glad for myself.
“We’ve an enormous problem forward of us. Enjoying on the world stage means lots, and I’m trying ahead to it, in addition to the boys and the technical crew.”
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