Qatar draw with South Africa in FIFA U-17 World Cup in Doha

Nov 7, 2025

Hosts Qatar produced a spirited display to stay in contention for a place in the knockout stages of the FIFA Under-17 World Cup, currently underway at the Aspire Zone, by drawing South Africa 1-1 in Group A.

Yazan Mohamed gave Qatar a dream start with a cool finish in the third minute, sending the home crowd into raptures. But South Africa hit back through Emile Witbooi, whose well-placed header drew them level before half-time. Witbooi’s tireless performance earned him the Player of the Match award, while both teams settled for a point after a disciplined second half.

Elsewhere in Group A, Italy showed their attacking depth in a commanding 4-0 win over Bolivia. Simone Lontani opened the scoring with a precise strike before Samuele Inacio doubled the lead with a thunderous finish.

Substitute Destiny Elimoghale extended the advantage, and Fabio Pandolfi rounded off the win in stoppage time. Both Inacio and Bolivia’s Jesus Maraude missed penalties, but Italy’s dominance never looked in doubt.

In Group B, Portugal delivered another attacking masterclass, thrashing Morocco 6-0. Joao Aragao struck first, followed by Anisio Cabral’s fierce effort. Mateus Mide scored twice—one from the penalty spot - while Jose Neto added a late brace to complete the rout. The result sealed Portugal’s progression with a game to spare.

There was frustration for Japan, who were held to a 0-0 draw by New Caledonia in a surprise result. Goalkeeper Nicolas Kutran was the hero for the Pacific islanders, pulling off several key saves to deny Minato Yoshida and Jelani Ren Mcghee, earning him deserved plaudits and the Player of the Match nod.

Croatia enjoyed a clinical 3-0 win over the United Arab Emirates, with Tino Kusanovic, Gabrijel Sivalec, and Kresimir Rados all on target in a dominant showing. Senegal, meanwhile, edged Costa Rica 1-0 thanks to an early strike from Alwaly Camara, maintaining their unbeaten run and securing top spot in Group C.

In Group D, Argentina overcame Tunisia 1-0 courtesy of substitute Facundo Jainikoski’s decisive strike ten minutes after coming on. Jeronimo Gomez Mattar controlled the tempo in midfield as the Albiceleste held firm to clinch victory.

Belgium produced the day’s most explosive performance, dismantling Fiji 7-0. Noah Fernandez and Pablo Capilla Rivera scored early, Loic Alvarez added a third, and Rene Mitongo stole the show with four goals of his own. The match ended with both sides reduced to ten men after August de Wannemacker and Teimana Goundar were sent off.