Late Equalizer Keeps Qatar's U-17 World Cup Dream Alive

Group A moment-by-moment drama

In a tight Group A battle played in Doha, Qatar booted off with a quick goal, but a determined South Africa volleyed back to earn a 1-1 draw in the second matchday of the FIFA U-17 World Cup. Yazan Hani fired home inside the third minute, only for Witbooi to level in the 16th, leaving both teams with a share of the spoils and Qatar still clinging to hopes of qualification.

The narrow result kept the group open: Italy led after a convincing 4-0 win over Bolivia, and South Africa sat second with four points, while Bolivia were mathematically eliminated and Qatar remained at the back with one point after two games.

Key moments included Qatar’s early breakthrough and a resilient South African defense that repelled a swarm of late threats. A late spell of pressure from the hosts couldn’t produce a second for Qatar, as the whistle confirmed a hard-fought stalemate that preserved intrigue for the final round of group matches.

Italy’s clinical display seals progression

Meanwhile, Italy reaffirmed their status as contenders by crushing Bolivia 4-0 in the day’s other Group A match. Simone Lontani opened the scoring in the 34th minute, followed by Samuel Inacio’s strike in the 37th. Destiny Elimugali added a third in the 54th, and Fabio Bandolfi wrapped up the scoring with a late goal in stoppage time. Inacio also claimed the best-player honors for his influential performance.

With this victory, Italy secured advancement to the knockout rounds with six points, having already beaten Qatar 1-0 in the opening game. Bolivia dipped out of contention after a second loss of the set, while South Africa’s win over Bolivia left them in a strong position for the final round matchup against the hosts.

Talent discovery and the road ahead

Speaking ahead of the final group game, former Qatar U-17 captain Jassim Al-Tamimi stressed the World Cup’s role as a launching pad for young talents and global exposure. He highlighted how hosting such a global event offers players a rare platform to sharpen skills and gain valuable experience on the world stage, echoing the sentiment that Qatar’s football infrastructure supports the growth of its next generation.

Al-Tamimi recalled Qatar’s rise through the ranks and the importance of tribal memory—the 1991 appearance of the youth team remains a milestone referenced by players and fans alike. He noted that the country’s facilities and organization create a favorable environment for developing future stars while inviting international competition that benefits the nation’s footballing footprint.

As the group stage nears its finale, Qatar will need a win against Bolivia to keep their hopes alive, while Italy will likely look to ride their momentum to the knockout rounds. South Africa eyes progression as well, but only if they can secure a result against a dangerous Italian side in the closing fixture.

Cap it all with a smile: If football is a sniper’s sport, then these U-17s are the sharpest with a stopwatch—fast, precise, and aiming for a future where the scoreboard is simply a doorway to bigger stages. And if a draw is all you’ve got, at least the popcorn was fresh and the kids brought the drama—call it tactical popcorn: small bites, big crunches.