Amajimbos qualified for World Cup, ‘it’s mission accomplished’: Khumalo

Coach asks SA to be more aggressive when they face formidable hosts Morocco in U-17 Afcon quarters

Amajimbos coach Vela Khumalo has described their qualification for the U-17 World Cup as a “big achievement”, saying they have made the country proud.

South Africa booked their ticket to the World Cup, to be hosted by Qatar later this year, by finishing second in Group B of the U-17 Africa Cup of Nations (Afcon) in Morocco, despite losing 2-0 to group-topping Burkina Faso in their last game at Stade Larbi Zaouli in Casablanca on Sunday.

Khumalo's side will meet the hosts in a tough matchup in their quarterfinal at Stade El Bachir in Mohammédia on Thursday (9pm SA time). 

“Let me take this opportunity to thank every South African who rallied behind us. This is a great moment and a big achievement,” Khumalo said.

“Initially, I made it clear that, more than anything, we want to qualify for the World Cup, so it's mission accomplished. 

“A big challenge ahead of us, playing at the World Cup, the biggest stage you can imagine. I think we didn't disappoint South Africans — qualifying for the World Cup was the main thing.”

Egypt also did Amajimbos a huge favour by beating Cameroon 2-1 in their Group B fixture on Sunday. South Africa beat Egypt 4-3 in their opener, before drawing 0-0 against Cameroon in their season fixture, meaning they progressed with four points.

After securing their berth at the U-17 World Cup finals — the first to be a 48-team event, along the same lines as the next senior World Cup next year in Mexico, Canada and the US — Amajimbos face a daunting task progressing further at the Afcon.

Morocco topped Group A unbeaten with two wins and a draw, scoring eight goals and conceding none. The hosts thrashed Uganda 5-0 in their opener, drew 0-0 against Zambia then ended with a 3-0 win against Tanzania on Sunday.

Khumalo asked his troops to be more aggressive when they face Morocco, highlighting his side have to prepare thoroughly for the hosts in the last eight.

“We need to be a bit more aggressive and direct. We must strategise and plan thoroughly because we want to go to the next round as well.”

It is only the second time Amajimbos have qualified for the U-17 World Cup, with their first appearance in the global spectacle in 2015 in Chile under coach Molefi Ntseki.

Second-half goals by Issouf Bara (65th minute) and Asharaf Tapsoba (89th) secured an impressive Burkina Faso their third successive victory at the Afcon and a place in the quarters against Goup A runners-up Zambia.

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