Japan ends Amajimbos’ World Cup run

Coach Vela Khumalo and the Amamjimbos reached the end of the road at the u17 FIFA World Cup on Saturday after going down 0-3 to Japan in a round of 32 match played at the Aspire Zone, in Doha City, Qatar.

It was goalless at the break, although both sides squandered opportunities to score.

South Africa’s Neo Bohloko and Selwyn Stevens came close to netting, but they were denied by Japan’s goalkeeper, Ethan Scally.

Japan came even closer to breaking the deadlock when they struck a goalpost, and they caused the South Africans trouble in the air, but neither side was able to conjure up a breakthrough.

In the second half, Amajimbos’ goalkeeper, Lwandiso Radebe, found himself under increased pressure and that led to the Mamelodi Sundowns‘ net-minder being beaten three times.

Only three minutes after the restart, Hiroto Asada fired the Japanese into the lead. Just before the hour-mark, Minato Yoshida extended the East Asian team’s lead and, 13 minutes later, in the 72nd minute, Shota Fuji made it 3-0, all but sealing victory for his side.

Afterwards, Amajimbos’ coach Velo Khumalo said that it had been a contest of two halves. “We were in the game in the first half, and we should have taken the three or four chances that we created, but we take the lessons,” he said.

“The second half was more of a mistake from us, and they scored, and that opened up the game. But then we lost concentration and they scored two more goals,” Khumalo told the media.

Despite his side’s defeat, Khumalo felt his team performed well and demonstrated resilience. He, also, acknowledged the exceptional performance of Japan’s goalkeeper, Scally, who kept South Africa off the scoresheet.

With the loss, South Africa joined their southern African rivals, Zambia, on the sidelines after the Zambians fell 1-3 to Mali.

Tunisia was beaten 2-0 by Austria, Switzerland won 3-1 against Egypt, and Uganda edged out Senegal 1-0.

Morocco advanced 4-3 from the penalty spot after a 1-1 draw with the United States, while Burkina Faso took down Germany, winning 1-0.

Amajimbos are anticipated to arrive back in South Africa on Monday afternoon.

Last 32 Results from the African Nations

Friday, 14 November

Mali 3-1 Zambia
Switzerland 3-1 Egypt
Morocco (3) 1-1 (3) USA

Saturday, 15 November 

Uganda 1-0 Senegal
Japan 3-0 South Africa
Burkina Faso 1-0 Germany
Austria 2-0 Tunisia

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Siya Pongco

A passionate reader and dedicated writer, Siya possesses three degrees from Rhodes University including a Postgraduate Diploma at Rhodes University. He also played amateur cricket and soccer, both during his university years. While honing his journalism skills at Grocott’s Mail in Makhanda, he developed a profound interest in the community’s response to crime. Additionally, he covered topics such as art/culture and student politics at Rhodes University in 2022. In his spare time, Siya can be found exploring galleries, dining at restaurants, indulging in literature, taking photographs or savouring his favourite dish, spaghetti.

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