The South African U17 side, Amajimbos, is off to a great start at the FIFA World Cup in Qatar.

Vela Khumalo’s boys beat Group A opponents Bolivia 3-1 at the Aspire Zone Complex in Doha, Qatar, on Monday despite playing most of the match with 10 players after the sending off of defender Sive Pama in the 35th minute.

This was Amajimbos’s first-ever win in only their second appearance in a World Cup since 2015, where they lost two games and drew one.

Despite playing a man short, the South Africans took the lead three minutes later, with the sensational Emile Witbooi scoring the opener.

South Africa continued where they left off in the second half when Neo Bohloko increased the lead to 2-0 in the 50th minute.

Bolivia pulled one back in the 72nd minute to make it 2-1, but Amajimbos had the last say when substitute Shaun Els beat the offside trap to calmly slot the third and final goal for Amajimbos in the referee’s optional time as South Africa ran out 3-1 winners.

“Our analysis was spot on but was only disturbed by us being one man down, and that made us tweak and change our tactical approach to the game,” commented head coach Khumalo.

“However, we created the chances of still playing from transition. Our boys showed maturity and growth, understanding the technical changes and tactical flexibility that happened, and I’m proud of our boys, honestly.”

In the other Group A fixture, Italy defeated hosts Qatar 1-0 through a 19th-minute goal by forward Samuele Inacio.

Amajimbos lead the group on goal difference and will next face Qatar on Thursday (6 November) at 17h45 South Africa time.

Italy and Bolivia will lock horns in an earlier kick off on the same day.

This is how South Africa lined up vs Bolivia:

Lwandiso Radebe (GK), Sive Pama, Liam Marthinus, Tumi Mothapo, Luke Hendricks, Teboho Mlangeni (Lebohang Dhlamini 49’), Kamohelo Mareletse (C), Omphemetse Sekgoto, Selwyn Stevens (Alwande Booysen 49’), Emile Witbooi (Lunje Noqobo 85’), Neo Bohloko (Shaun Els 77’).