Italy beats Amajimbos but SA into last 32
A goalless draw between Bolivia and Qatar on Sunday helped the u17 South African national team, Amajimbos, to a second-place finish in Group A of the u17 FIFA World Cup and a place in the next round of the tournament.
Amajimbos fell to Italy on Sunday, going down 1-3.
In a similar manner to their match against Qatar on Thursday, 6 November, South Africa conceded an early goal, with Valerio Macarroni setting up Sameul Inacio for a fourth minute strike.
Qatar had scored in the third minute on Thursday. That game ended 1-1.
Italy, who went into the game having not conceded a goal, kept up the pressure on South Africa. However, the Europeans had their defences unlocked in the 32nd minute by Shaun Els, which resulted in the teams heading into the break level at 1-1.
The Italians hit the front again 10 minutes into the second half, with Macarroni laying on his second assist of the match, while Antonio Arena provided the finish.
Only three minutes later, Arena turned provider, setting up Inacio, who netted his second, to make it 3-1.
Fortunately, for South Africa, the goalless draw between the hosts, Qatar, and Bolivia, worked in their favour. The Qataris finished third in the group but could qualify for the round of 32 as one of the eight best third place finishers.
